Quick Navigation: Mission & Objectives / History / Executive Director

    Mission & Objectives

    With a clear mission, vision, and path forward, the World Federation of Science Journalists continues to be a pillar of the Science Journalism community.

    Vision

    We believe that science journalism will help make science accountable.

    Mission

    The World Federation of Science Journalists is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization, representing 72 science journalists’ associations and 10,000 individual science and technology journalists from around the world. The WFSJ encourages strong, critical coverage of issues in science and technology, the environment, health and medicine, agriculture, and related fields. The WFSJ seeks to:

    • Advance science journalism as a bridge between science, scientists, and the public.
    • Promote the role of science journalists as key players in civil society and democracy.
    • Improve the quality of science reporting, promote standards, and support science and technology journalists worldwide.

    Activities

    • The WFSJ promotes and defends the free flow of information and open dialogue about scientific research and related issues, which are essential to good science journalism.
    • The WFSJ provides a forum for its membership, and the wider public, to share advances, achievements, challenges, opportunities, and trends in science journalism internationally.
    • The WFSJ promotes best practices in science journalism.
    • The WFSJ organizes the World Conference of Science Journalists every two years, in different regions of the world.
    • The WFSJ undertakes training, mentoring, and education of science journalists globally through initiatives such as conferences, workshops, mentoring schemes, and other professional opportunities.
    • The WFSJ supports science journalism associations and encourages the foundation of new ones.

    Membership

    WFSJ members are national, regional, and international associations that represent science journalists, broadcasters, writers, editors, and communicators working across all media platforms.

    To become a member of the WFSJ, an association applies and is accepted in accordance with the WFSJ bylaws. Applications for membership will be reviewed and decided upon by the WFSJ Board.

    More information about joining the WFSJ is available here.

    Charitable organization

    The WFSJ has been an officially registered Canadian charitable organization since 2013 (registration number: 831911748RR0001).

    Where your donations go

    The vital donations made to the WFSJ make it possible to train journalists in crisis situations, buy equipment, and support journalists in covering stories in which science plays an important role.

    A Brief History of the WFSJ

    The WFSJ has adapted and grown from its creation, continuing to strive for excellence. Every passing year provides more opportunities for innovation and collaboration within the field of Science Journalism.

    The Creation of the WFSJ

    The WFSJ was founded in November 2002 at the 3rd World Conference of Science Journalists in São José dos Campos (Brazil) where Canadian science writer and broadcaster Véronique Morin was elected the first president.

    In October 2004, more than 600 participants from 58 nations attended the 4th World Conference in Montreal (Canada), as well as representatives from 30 science journalism associations worldwide. Australian science journalist and magazine editor Wilson da Silva was elected the WFSJ’s second president.

    On 18 April 2007, during the 5th World Conference of Science Journalists held in Melbourne (Australia), BBC science journalist Pallab Ghosh became the third president.

    In July 2009, Nadia El-Awady from Egypt was elected as the fourth president during the 6th World Conference held in London (United Kingdom).

    Curtis Brainard was confirmed as president in June 2015 during the 9th World Conference of Science Journalists in Seoul (Republic of Korea).

    Mohammed Yahia was elected at the 10th World Conference (WCSJ2017) in San Francisco (USA) and was in office for two years.

    The current president, Milica Momčilović, was elected at the 11th World Conference (WCSJ2019) in Lausanne (Switzerland).

    Board of Directors

    The WFSJ is governed by a nine-member international body with representation from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Meet the Board members here.

    General Manager Florence Raboisson

    Based in Quebec, Canada, Mrs Florence Raboisson, our strong and visionary General Manager, in close collaboration with the Board of Directors, is confidently leading WFSJ office in its mission to advance science journalism across the world.

    With over 20 years of experience, a broad knowledge in office management, and extensive financial expertise, she optimizes resources and safeguards financial stability, thus to create a better environment for our global community.