FAQ

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  • Who can attend?

    Registration for the NASW annual workshops portion of ScienceWriters2012 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.

  • What does it cost?

    Attendance at ScienceWriters is subsidized to keep your costs low.

    NASW Workshops Fees

    Even though rates have increased this year for the first time in five years, attendance at the workshops is heavily subsidized by NASW. Thank you for attending!

    Member Rate
    $170 until September 14 Get your earlybird discount!
    $195 September 15 thru close of Registration on October 10.
    Student Member Rate
    $75 thru close of Registration on October 10.
    Non-member Rate
    $395 thru close of Registration on October 10.

    CASW’s New Horizons in Science Briefings

    New Horizons is hosted by the North Carolina Partner Institutions
    Free!

    Accommodations

    We have secured a discounted rate of $125/night plus tax for the Marriott City Center in Raleigh, NC. To get this discount and learn more, visit the Travel and Accommodations page..

    Optional Field Trips and Pre-Conference Sessions

    Most field trips will be free. The Coastal Overnight Tour is $45/pp plus overnight accommodation (~$99+ tax).

  • How can I apply for a Traveling Fellowship?

    Several types of travel fellowships are available.

    NASW Freelance Travel Fellowship

    Eligibility: Open to freelance science writers

    Description: Provides up to $750 to cover the costs of attending ScienceWriters2012. These fellowships are supported by the 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: Thursday, August 30, 2012

    NASW Graduate Travel Fellowship

    Eligibility: Open to current NASW student members enrolled in a science writing program.

    Description: Provides up to $1000 to cover the costs of attending ScienceWriters2012. These fellowships are supported by the 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: Thursday, August 30, 2012

    CASW Traveling Fellowship

    Eligibility: The fellowships are intended primarily for journalists from smaller metropolitan print and broadcast news outlet, select freelancers and webcasters with a demonstrated interest in science writing.
    Description: The fellowships offer up to $1,200 to cover the costs of attending ScienceWriters2012.
    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 4, 2012

  • 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 ScienceWriters2012?

    All registration is handled securely online. Mail or phone in registrations are not accepted. Registration begins August 15 and closes on October 10. In order that we may keep our costs low by ensuring an accurate count, NO late or on-site registrations are accepted. Register here beginning August 15.

    Spots are limited. Register early!

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

    We've set up a Facebook page for ScienceWriters2012 to help you see whose coming and post inquiries like this. You can also tweet #sciwri12_room This is not an official roommate matching service, but rather an informal place for you to connect with other attendees.

  • 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 Rosalind Reid. The program draws speakers from around the country, including a portion from the host institution.

  • How do I register for the Annual Awards Reception?

    Advance registration is required for the Annual Awards Reception, but for the first time this year, there is no cost to attend the reception. Registration begins online on August 15. 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 ScienceWriters2012 at workshops@nasw.org or 510-647-9500.