BRUSSELS - Journalismfund.eu vzw again offers grants for scientific journalism research. The Vice-Minister-President of the Flemish Government and Flemish Minister of Science Policy, Hilde Crevits, provides additional support.
After a successful first round, Journalismfund.eu vzw is organising a second round as part of the pilot project Science Journalism.
In February of this year, 12 applications were submitted of which 7 projects received support for a total amount of € 35,000. Meanwhile, two publications have already appeared: the book "Weg van water" (The way of water) and a research series on the impact of drug waste on people and the environment. Five other studies will be published this and next year.
The importance of science and technology for our society is undeniable. The recent coverage of Covid-19 demonstrates this. But also the issue of vaccination, the discharge of toxic substances by chemical companies or other pressing themes such as global warming or diabetes need more explanation. Insight into and understanding of these issues requires solid science journalism. Unfortunately, pseudoscience finds its way to the general public faster because it is fun to read, because it generates clicks and because algorithms within social networks 'push' it six times more than news from professional journalists. These kinds of unchecked articles undermine the credibility of our media and don't serve the citizens. Disinformation and misinformation can even have a disastrous impact on human health and the environment.
Flemish Minister of Science Policy Hilde Crevits:
"More and more often, we as a society are faced with complex issues in which science can play a crucial role. In order to have a good social and democratic debate, it is of great importance that journalists are able to get to the bottom of these issues and bring these complex matters to the broader public. That is why, after the successful pilot project in 2020, we are investing further in science journalism. Bringing science into the living room is quite a challenge and with new grants we want to stimulate this further. A better informed public will also be able to be more critical towards 'fake news'."
How to apply?
- Deadline; Friday 5 November 2021 - 12 at noon
- More info and applications via the online platform: http://sciencejournalism.fund
- Contact: kristof.polfliet [at] journalismfund.eu (kristof[dot]polfliet[at]journalismfund[dot]eu)
