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Science essentials for news editors

This Crash Course covers science essentials for news editors.

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What are Crash Courses?

SciLine, a philanthropically supported, free service for journalists and scientists based at the nonprofit American Association for the Advancement of Science, offers a one-hour, Zoom-based science “crash course”—designed specifically for editors. This free course teaches basic principles about how science works, how to integrate it skillfully into your outlet’s journalism, and strategies for making sure the science is right during the editing process.

Freelance science reporter Elena Renken and Ph.D. neuroscientist Dr. Tori Espensen together lay out key do’s, don’ts, and pitfalls to watch for when editing a news story that includes scientific information or sources. Their insights are based on decades of experience working with reporters, editors, and scientists. Among the topics covered:

  • How even a small dose of science can strengthen almost any story and add to your outlet’s credibility;
  • Different kinds of studies and what each can—and cannot—reveal;
  • Flags to watch for as you assess the accuracy of your reporters’ science-based stories; and
  • Practical tips for identifying credible scientist-sources and guiding reporters to ask the right questions.

Forty-five minutes of interactive teaching are followed by a 15-min open Q&A.

Couldn’t make the last session? We’ll be scheduling more dates of this course in the future!

Elena Renken

Editorial director
she/her

Elena is a writer and editor focused on science. She directs SciLine’s editorial strategy, including reporting and editing articles on all kinds of news and the scientific evidence surrounding it. She launched and writes SciLine’s weekly newsletter, “Matter of Fact,” which offers story ideas and evidence for current reporting. She also advises SciLine’s leadership, oversees its multimedia work, and speaks at events for journalists. Elena earned a degree in science, technology, and society at Brown University, and her work has been published by NPR, Quanta Magazine, Nautilus, and PBS “NOVA”, among other national and local outlets.

Tori Espensen

Training director
she/her

Tori leads SciLine’s training programs, which help both scientists and journalists learn to work better together to bring accurate, engaging scientific evidence to general audiences through news stories. Her role includes developing curricula, facilitating workshops and webinars, and finding creative ways to make teaching science and communication skills dynamic and interactive. Tori’s Ph.D. in biological psychopathology and postdoctoral fellowship in psychiatry, both from the University of Minnesota, allow her to connect with the scientists she trains and share her deep understanding of scientific skills and concepts with journalists.

More Science essentials for news editors sessions will be scheduled in the future. You can sign up here to be alerted when the next training is scheduled and to join SciLine’s network of journalists.

Past sessions were held on the following dates:

  • Tuesday, April 15, 2025
  • Wednesday, September 18, 2024
  • Tuesday, April 23, 2024
  • Wednesday, December 6, 2023
  • Monday, July 10, 2023
  • Tuesday, December 13, 2022