Coastal Impacts: Global Change in Coastal Ecosystems
15th Annual Science Immersion Workshop for Journalists
Coastal Impacts: Global Change in Coastal Ecosystems, June 9-14, 2013
The Metcalf Institute Annual Science Immersion Workshop brings journalists to the field, laboratory, and conference table for hands-on experience in environmental research.
Metcalf’s longest-running program, the fellowship emphasizes basic methods of environmental research, the principles and ethics guiding scientific inquiry and opportunities to cultivate scientific sources, and deepens participants’ understanding of how environment and the public interest intersect.
The weeklong workshop is held at the University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography, one of the nation’s premier oceanographic research institution, and gives journalists an opportunity to exploreand understand the impacts of human activities in coastal ecosystems.
“I found that week enormously helpful in getting a deeper understanding
of how science works and how scientists think, and it’s helped inform my
environmental coverage ever since.”
Liam Moriarty, Environmental Reporter, KPLU Radio
2008 Metcalf Fellow, 10th Annual Science Immersion Workshop for Journalists
Metcalf Fellows, selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants, learn how to interpret scientific data in and around Narragansett Bay and sharpen their investigative reporting skills. During the week in Rhode Island, Fellows…
- conduct a fisheries survey aboard the URI research vessel;
- investigate the role of forests in mitigating climate change and protecting watersheds;
- explore the development and use of sea level rise models for adaptation planning;
- attend lectures featuring top national researchers, policy makers and science communicators;
- learn data visualization techniques to communicate complex information more effectively;
- experience off-deadline interaction with scientists and cultivate contacts for future reporting;
- build story ideas;
- meet and connect with professional colleagues; and
- expand reporting portfolios.
Metcalf alumni report that this combination of immersion experience and stakeholder interactions makes for informative, practical, and career-changing professional development.
“The Metcalf Institute experience was instrumental in deepening
my knowledge of environmental science. It leads to better lines of
questioning by reporters who, after Metcalf instruction, have a more
thorough understanding of how scientists go about their work.”
Lori Townsend, News Director, Alaska Public Radio Network
2007 Metcalf Fellow, 9th Annual Science Immersion Workshop for Journalists
Who Should Apply for Metcalf Institute’s Science Immersion Workshop for Journalists?
Workshop alumni include reporters, producers, editors, photojournalists, and documentary filmmakers from around the world and all media types. Fellows are selected from a competitive applicant pool to maximize diversity in experience, medium, audience, geography, race and ethnicity, and gender. See a list of Workshop alumni here.
Eligibility | Past Agendas | Media Gallery | Alumni Spotlight
Metcalf fellowships include room, board, tuition and travel support of up to US$500 paid after the completion of travel. The 2013 Annual Science Immersion Workshop for Journalists is underwritten by Metcalf Institute donors including generous support from Charlotte Metcalf, Pamela Thye, and Craig and Sarah Richardson. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson’s gift was matched by The Prospect Hill Foundation.
This program was funded by:
