Choice of Careers in Science Reporting

Careers in science reporting induct two basic types of personnel - science journalists and science public information officers. Science journalists work for newspapers, wire services, magazines, book publishers, radio & television stations and for Internet news services.

Science reporting careers include both commercial and non-profit organizations, as also scientific societies producing magazines, newsletters and internet news services. Science journalists could be writing for the lay public or for professional audiences like scientists.

Science journalists may be full-time staff writers for organizations or may work as free-lancers. Science journalists are different from technical writers who basically create instruction manuals or reports on new technologies for trade magazines. They are also apart from environmental journalists who usually cover environmental regulations or pollution.

Science Public Information Officers work for universities, private research foundations, government agencies and laboratories, science museums, high-technology corporations and non-profit science and health organizations. Their work comprises of preparing news releases, scientific materials and research undertakings. Most science PIOs directly reach the public with information through institutional websites.

Science writing careers can include spinning off expertise into writing books and other freelance assignments. Science writers can take mid-career journalism fellowships and workshops at universities or other scientific institutions to explore new fields.