Science Journalists

Twenty percent of Americans still think the sun orbits around the Earth, says journalist David Ewing Duncan in one of his columns. Duncan was one of last year’s inaugural Science Journalism Laureates and he returned to campus with the second group of Laureates this year to talk with students, scientists, and community members about the interactions between journalists, the public, and scientists.
“Science journalists are a critical piece of the puzzle in helping the public to understand scientific discovery, its impact on their lives, and how they can help,” says Dean Jeff Vitter. “This program not only recognizes them for that important role but provides and invaluable opportunity for journalists and scientists to talk about this kind of communication.”

During their two days at Purdue, 12 science journalists from around the world visited labs around campus to interact with and ask questions of the scientists whose work they often cover. They also participated in a Town Hall meeting and Convocation, which gave the public attendees opportunities to ask questions. Moderated by alumna and TechNation host Moira Gunn, the Town Hall discussion will be broadcast on TechNation.