FAQ

Hint: Click on a question to show the answer.

  • Who can attend?

    Registration for the NASW annual workshops portion of ScienceWriters2010 is open to members and a limited number of non-members. Registration for the New Horizons portion of the meeting is open to NASW members and registered members of the press.

  • How is the content chosen?

    The NASW professional development workshops are chosen by a committee of members from proposals submitted by members in March of each year and organized by volunteers. The scientific sessions for the New Horizons in Science Briefings are chosen solely by program director Paul Raeburn. The program draws speakers from around the country, including a portion from the host institution.

  • What does it cost?

    We’re trying to subsidize your attendance as much as we can. Here’s a snapshot of the projected costs for ScienceWriters2010:

    • NASW Workshops Registration: Earlybird rate of $150 before September 1. $175 October 1-Close of Registration on October 2
    • CASW’s New Horizons in Science Briefings, hosted by Yale University: Free!
    • Annual Awards Dinner: $50
    • Hotel Rooms at the Omni New Haven: $157/night + tax. Block opens on August 4.
  • Are there volunteer opportunities?

    NASW student members interested in volunteering can help out at the meeting for a few hours in exchange for free registration. To commit, email workshops@nasw.org. Slots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and you must be an NASW student member.

  • Why do I have to pay for one part of the meeting but not the other?

    The NASW portion of ScienceWriters is solely funded by the National Association of Science Writers. While a registration fee is charged to offset some of NASW's costs, that fee covers only a portion of the total NASW workshop costs. New Horizons is hosted each year by different universities, which provide funds to cover the meeting.

  • How do I register for ScienceWriters2010?

    All registration is handled securely online. Mail or phone in registrations are not accepted. Registration begins August 4 and closes on October 21. NO late or on-site registrations are accepted.

  • Where can I locate a roommate to share travel expenses?

    We've set up a Facebook page for ScienceWriters2010 to help you see whose coming and post inquiries like this. You can also tweet with the hashtag #SciWri10

  • How can I apply for a Traveling Fellowship?

    Four types of travel fellowships are available.

    NASW Freelance Travel Fellowship

    • Eligibility: Open to freelance science writers
    • Description: Provides up to $900 to cover the costs of attending ScienceWriters2010. These fellowships are supported by Authors Coalition of America funds. Note: Before receiving reimbursement, fellows must submit a short report of one or more aspects of the workshops, suitable for publication on the NASW Web site and potentially in ScienceWriters. Assignments will be made prior to the meeting and must be filed within 48 hours after the assigned session. More information will be available after grants are awarded.
    • To apply: Send a short (less than 500 words) statement of interest and a copy of your CV to Tinsley Davis, director@nasw.org, with the subject line "FreelanceTravelGrant."
    • Application deadline: Tuesday, September 7, 2010.

    NASW Graduate Travel Fellowship

    • Eligibility: Open to current NASW student members enrolled in a science writing program.
    • Description: Provides up to $900 to cover the costs of attending ScienceWriters2010. These fellowships are supported by Authors Coalition of America funds. Note: Before receiving reimbursement, fellows must submit a short report of one or more aspects of the workshops, suitable for publication on the NASW Web site and potentially in ScienceWriters. Assignments will be made prior to the meeting and must be filed within 48 hours after the assigned session. More information will be available after grants are awarded.
    • To apply: Send a short (less than 500 words) statement of interest and a copy of your CV to Tinsley Davis, director@nasw.org, with the subject line "GraduateTravelGrant."
    • Application deadline: Tuesday, September 7, 2010

    CASW Traveling Fellowship

    • Eligibility: The fellowships are intended primarily for journalists from publications and broadcast outlets that do not routinely cover major science meetings or employ a full-time science writer.
    • Description: The fellowships offer up to $1,200 to cover the costs of attending ScienceWriters2010.
    • To apply: Submit three collated sets containing each of the following: 1) a brief (no more than 500-word) expression of interest; 2) a resume (with home and office telephone numbers); 3) no more than 3 clips or broadcast transcripts (on any topic); 4) a nominating letter from a senior editor, news director or producer. Mail submissions to: CASW New Horizons Fellowships, P.O. Box 910, Hedgesville, WV 25427
    • Application deadline: Tuesday, September 7, 2010

    New for 2010! NASW Changing Times Fellowship

    • Eligibility: Open to science writers who have experienced a change in circumstances (e.g. travel budgets slashed or loss of employment) since January 1, 2010.
    • Description: Provides up to $900 to cover the costs of attending ScienceWriters2010. These fellowships are supported by Authors Coalition of America funds. Note: Before receiving reimbursement, fellows must submit a short report of one or more aspects of the workshops, suitable for publication on the NASW Web site and potentially in ScienceWriters. Assignments will be made prior to the meeting and must be filed within 48 hours after the assigned session. More information will be available after grants are awarded.
    • To apply: Send a short (less than 500 words) statement of interest and a copy of your CV to Tinsley Davis, director@nasw.org, with the subject line "ChangeTravelGrant." The statement should briefly note how your circumstances have changed and focus on how attending the meeting would benefit your science writing career.
    • Application deadline: Tuesday, September 7, 2010.
  • How do I register for the Annual Awards Dinner?

    Advance registration is required for the Annual Awards Dinner. Registration begins online on August 4. The cost is $50. Join your colleagues to congratulate the winners of NASW's Science in Society Awards, the Victor Cohn Prize for Excellence in Medical Science Reporting, and the Evert Clark/Seth Payne Award for Young Science Journalists.

  • What if my question is not answered here?

    Contact ScienceWriters2010 at workshops@nasw.org or 510-647-9500.