The second conference of the Science Journalists’ Association of India (SJAI) was held from 4 – 5 December 2024 at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune. With the theme ​‘The Underreported: Bridging Gaps in Science Journalism’, the meeting brought together an eclectic mix of science journalists, science communicators, scientists, researchers, and public engagement and outreach practitioners for discussions and conversations. 

The discussion on the theme was facilitated by a range of session topics across the 2 days of the programme, and a striking feature was the use of various forms of engagement across the meeting. These included an interesting combination of one-on-one conversations, small group discussions, audience engagement, and larger spaces to facilitate networking. 

Offscript sessions: The offscript sessions at SJAI 2024 focused on current science reporting approaches and strategies, with a blend of voices that included science journalists and scientists. The meeting started with an off script session on ​‘Small stories in big science’ led by Amitabha Sinha from the Indian Express. This discussion focused on reporting for space science, quantum mechanics and artificial intelligence, and underscored the need for relatable stories that placed these disruptive technologies in the context of global achievements and endeavours. 

The second offscript session discussed reporting at the intersection of science and law and was led by independent journalist Virat Markandeya; the panelists included scientists and journalists who shared examples from their professional experiences in forensic science and legal practice.

Panels: SJAI 2024 hosted three panel discussions on topics relevant to contemporary changes and challenges when reporting on science. The first discussion focused on how science journalists or communicators are using social media to engage newer audiences. Moderated by Kartik Chandramouli from Mongabay India, a dynamic group of science communicators shared how they were using newer visual and audio formats to engage audiences via Instagram, X and YouTube.

In another topic relevant to current reporting in science, the second panel on ​‘Finding data: Sources to harness for evidence-backed reporting’ was led by Aditi Tandon from Mongabay India, with the panel including science journalists from leading dailies and a data journalist. 

Along the same lines, the third panel discussion titled ​‘Missing view: How to include ethnic community voices in science journalism’ was moderated by TV Jayan from Shaastra magazine, with a diverse set of discussants from the not-for-profit and social sector space.

Fireside Chat: At SJAI 2024, Jacob Koshy from The Hindu and Renny Thomas from IISER Bhopal sat down for a tête-à-tête on Religion and Indian Science. Thomas, a scholar of science and technology studies and the author of the book ​‘Science and Religion in India: Beyond Disenchantment’, shared fascinating insights from his ethnographic study on the nature and practice of religious beliefs among scientists in the country (note: these findings are based on select scientists who were part of his study), which was followed by several audience questions. 

Rockstar scientists: At SJAI 2024, this unique session put ten scientists, working across a range of STEM fields, under the ​‘spotlight’ for short explainers on their research. Moderated by Shruti Sundaresan and paired with interludes of rock music, the scientists ​‘rocked’ the job at hand! From studying the chemistry of rivers to climate change phenomena, who says scientists can’t be rockstars?

Debate: What is a journalists’ meeting without a debate? SJAI 2024 hosted a debate on ​‘Should science serve the State?’, with Vivek Polshettiwar from TIFR Mumbai speaking for the motion and Aniket Sule, also from TIFR Mumbai, sharing his views against the motion. Moderated by Subhra Priyadarshini, the audience heard two sets of compelling arguments, interspersed with questions and clarifications. For a topic likely to evoke strong, often polarised views, the debate format lended itself very well for the discussion.

Open Mics: Another interesting feature of the programme was the inclusion of two Open Mic sessions. In the first Open Mic session, small groups of conference attendees brought forth their opinions on specially curated topics, facilitated by rapporteurs. The sessions included discussions on regional and urban biases in reporting, under-reported science disciplines, gender and intersectionality and unconventional knowledge systems and science history. 

The second Open Mic session adopted a different format, where four science communicators were invited to share their winning moves in science communication. Peppered with questions from the audience, the communicators discussed their winning moves, which ranged from science podcasting, reporting on the science behind lavender farming in Jammu and Kashmir, creating science-art opportunities and introducing features as AI/VR in science storytelling.

Spaces to facilitate networking: To facilitate networking during the meeting, SJAI 2024 adopted diverse approaches such as a writing board and postcard exchange for participants, visual science art exhibit, short film screenings from the Global Science Film Festival, as well as a curated set of experiential tours. These spaces provided an opportunity for attendees to initiate interactions during the breaks between sessions.

The Science Journalists’ Association of India is a professional body of science journalists and communicators working in India, and following the first SJAI conference in 2023 at the National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, SJAI 2024 was led by Priyadarshini, along with a team of co-organisers and volunteers. Says Priyadarshini after the conference, ​“Our first conference looked at how science journalism connects with the communities it serves”. 

This year, we went deeper, exploring gaps where science journalism and communication can truly make an impact – I am very pleased with what we learnt and we hope to implement some of these learnings in the coming year.