Ethics in Science Journalism

Over 100 science journalists representing more than 20 WFSJ member associations thought about, discussed, and refined a set of ethical principles over seven workshops held in English, French and Spanish. These Guiding Principles can help journalists resolve professional conundrums and offer guidance on best practices when covering science, health, environment, and technology.

Journalists have a social responsibility. Their responsibility is towards the public, to whom they should provide the best information possible. This information sharing is vital for the democratic process. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights protects fundamental aspects of the journalist profession like the freedom of expression, the right to privacy of sources and communications, the right not to be arbitrarily detained for their work, and the right to physical safety and freedom.

But journalists, including science journalists, face ethical dilemmas in daily work. Journalists are often asked to work quickly but are criticised for not taking enough time to check their facts. They are asked to remain independent but are constantly pressured by scientists, politicians and other stakeholders, as well as by publishers and media owners. They are asked to be rigorous but too often blocked from accessing information.

Additionally, science journalists have to convey complex information in understandable formats to their audience without misleading them. They must find valid and valuable information while navigating through new scientific research, emergent science fields, and publications not yet reviewed by independent experts. They should look for diverse sources and include different perspectives while avoiding false balance, where a fringe opinion is given the same “airtime” as a broadly accepted fact. Science journalists are also urged to take measures to decolonise science and science journalism while performing their work.

All of this while audiences are increasingly losing trust in journalism, while mis- and disinformation and fake news continue to spread, while media outlets are still seeking effective business models, and while journalists are struggling to make a living wage.

Journalists are encouraged to follow ethical principles and best practices to foster credibility and trust and create stronger relationships with their audience. Being accurate, objective, and fair, along with being independent, transparent, and disclosing any conflict of interest are key points of such guidelines.

The “Guiding Principles for Journalists Covering Science” drafted by WFSJ members can act as a compass and were shaped to be used by science journalists (including health, environmental, or technology journalists) and journalists covering science-related topics (regularly or occasionally). Editors, media outlets and other stakeholders can signal their adherence to these ethical guiding principles. Science communicators and content producers may also choose to follow such guiding principles as best practices to communicate science.

While these principles may be guidelines for best practices, journalists are encouraged to look for the codes of ethics in the countries where they work, respect local laws, avoid putting themselves in danger and take precautions when working in risky situations. Journalists can seek assistance from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) – website and email – if any of these local regulations violate their human rights or ethical values. (Look for more information on the Security and Safety page).

How have we reached this set of principles?

Back in 2020, the World Federation of Science Journalists (WFSJ) member associations were asked to share their code of ethics for science journalism, however, the large majority didn’t have one. When asked if they planned to have one or engage in discussions about ethical principles, a few said they were already trying and one replied: “Your form just inspired us to do so”.

The analysis of the codes of ethics for science journalism and journalism at large, complemented by literature research, provided a selection of common concepts and others specific to scientific journalism. Those were the basis for the discussions held in Medellín, Colombia, during the World Conference of Science Journalists 2023. After each of the three workshops that welcomed participants worldwide, a new draft was created incorporating all the inputs provided and prepared to be discussed in the next round.

The draft document resulting from the sessions in 2023 was analysed in depth, reorganised, and completed, from September to November 2024, thanks to the crowdsourcing of WFSJ members logging in from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin and North America. A consolidated document was prepared to be discussed at the WFSJ Annual General Meeting (AGM), in Budapest, Hungary, in November 2024.

Why were the guiding principles presented at the AGM?

The Guiding Principles for Journalists Covering Science is a crowdsourcing effort created by members to serve members, and the WFSJ wishes to have as many people and associations involved in the process as possible.

Member associations had the opportunity to learn more about the project and ask any questions during an informal meeting with delegates on November 19 and at the AGM on November 20. Regarding whether to commit to and publish this document, the WFSJ sought input from its members. Member associations’ input does not oblige them to adopt these principles in their associations.

It was decided the guiding principles would be made public on the WFSJ website, divided into different documents (a task under progress) and translated into various languages afterwards. Every science journalist association, whether member or non-member of WFSJ, can endorse, adopt and/or adapt the current guiding principles if they want to. Any changes or adaptations made to these principles are the sole responsibility of the ones introducing the changes and it doesn’t mean that WFSJ endorses them.

WFSJ will provide support and consultation for member associations that wish to discuss, adopt and/or adapt the guiding principles. Science journalists are encouraged to seek advice from their national or regional association if they are unsure how to apply these best practices.

See other resources for additional information. WFSJ wishes to help members find useful information without necessarily endorsing all the resources provided. If you find resources that provide inappropriate content or if you wish to add other links, please contact office@wfsj.org.

The Guiding Principles for Journalists Covering Science is an output of the project “Establishing the Boundaries of Ethics in Science Journalism” funded by The Kavli Foundation. The Federation held an editorially independent process from the funder.