Editorial
Launched by the PCST Web and Social Media Committee, this monthly newsletter serves as your gateway to emerging trends in global science communication. Our mission is to foster international collaboration and provide a vital platform for interdisciplinary exchange.
Following a survey of our members, we have confirmed that official PCST announcements will be shared via the PCST website and email notifications. Our official social media platforms are Facebook, LinkedIn, WeChat and YouTube.
We warmly invite you to share ideas for potential news items with us at 2271883684@qq.com or gywang@suda.edu.cn.
Highlights
PCST 2027 will be held from 24 to 27 May 2027 in Shanghai
The conference will be hosted by Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Against the backdrop of rapid technological development, climate change, global health challenges, and the growing need for inclusive dialogue, PCST 2027 will bring together participants from across sectors and disciplines to explore how science and technology communication can strengthen public understanding of science, bridge cognitive gaps, and continue to inspire human imagination and the spirit of exploration.
While showcasing China’s approaches and achievements in science and technology communication, the conference will also provide an opportunity to collectively envision the future of the field on a global scale.
Global insights
NAN and RIMSON partner to address risk communication and misinformation
Nigeria’s News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and the Risk Managers Society of Nigeria (RIMSON) have partnered in Abuja to address risk communication and misinformation. Through joint public campaigns, training programmes, research initiatives, and a national conference held in late April 2026, the collaboration aims to strengthen public understanding of risk governance and improve scientific literacy. By leveraging NAN’s extensive media network, the partnership also seeks to promote accurate, evidence-based information and counter misinformation.
ComSciCon Flagship Workshop 2026 to be held in Bordeaux
The 14th annual ComSciCon Flagship Workshop Special International Edition will take place at the University of Bordeaux in Bordeaux from 7 to 10 July 2026.
ComSciCon offers graduate students a unique opportunity to engage with early-career leaders in science communication, learn from invited experts in the field, and develop original work that communicates complex scientific and engineering concepts to broader audiences. The workshop brings together emerging science communicators from diverse disciplines to strengthen skills in public engagement and accessible communication.
Health and government advertising spend linked to misinformation websites
A study led by researchers at Yale University and reported by CNN found that major health organisations and government agencies have unintentionally spent millions on advertising placed on websites that promote health misinformation.
The issue largely stems from automated digital advertising systems, where ad placements are determined algorithmically. Researchers warn that this may indirectly channel public funding toward misleading content and potentially weaken public trust in health communication and official information.
Science Writers and Communicators of Canada Conference 2026 to focus on “Discovery, Dialogue, Decision”
The 2026 Science Writers and Communicators of Canada Conference will take place on 15 to 16 June 2026 in Montréal, hosted by the Science Writers and Communicators of Canada.
With the theme “Discovery, Dialogue, Decision”, the conference will examine the relationship between scientific news, public communication and science-informed policy. Through presentations, workshops and cross-border discussions, it will explore how to strengthen the impact of science communication in a context of rapid scientific progress, lagging public understanding and growing distrust in information systems. The programme highlights the central role of science communication in linking scientific knowledge, public understanding and societal decision-making.
Comm Horizons @ UCD 2026 to explore communication in the age of AI and algorithms
Comm Horizons @ UCD 2026 will take place from 15 to 17 May 2026 at University of California, Davis.
The conference, themed “Communication in the Age of AI and Algorithms”, will examine how artificial intelligence and algorithmic systems increasingly shape the ways people connect, access information, create content, and engage with media. Bringing together researchers and practitioners from diverse fields, the event will explore how AI-mediated communication influences human relationships, media use, and emerging forms of digital interaction in a rapidly evolving society.
Science communication workshop highlights storytelling as a driver of curiosity
A science communication workshop organised by Ateneo de Manila University and partner institutions highlighted the importance of storytelling in making science more engaging and accessible to diverse audiences.
The workshop explored how effective science communication can transform complex research into relatable narratives that spark curiosity while maintaining scientific accuracy. Speakers emphasised the role of communicators as bridges between scientific knowledge and the public, using clear structures, compelling introductions and culturally familiar references to make scientific ideas more understandable and meaningful.
The event reinforced the idea that cultivating curiosity and improving public access to scientific knowledge remain central goals of contemporary science communication.
Bioengineering PhD student recognised with UK science writing award
Vanessa Drevenakova has received a UK science writing award for an article exploring research on brain ageing.
The award-winning piece is part of the MRC Max Perutz Award, a UK science communication competition for PhD researchers, and gained wider public attention through UK media coverage. It highlighted the importance of accessible science communication in translating complex biomedical research for broader audiences. Drevenakova later reflected on how responses from patients and readers influenced the way she approaches science communication, shaping a more audience-centred and empathetic style of sharing research.
IST 2026 to explore theory and practice in information science
Information Science Trends (IST) 2026, hosted by the ASIS&T Europe Chapter, will take place in hybrid format in Barcelona from 25 to 26 June 2026.
Under the theme “Celebrating Theory and Practice”, the conference invites 400 to 750-word abstracts on topics including information science, information literacy, digital transformation, and the relationship between theory and practice in the field. The event aims to bring together researchers and practitioners to examine current developments and emerging challenges in information and communication environments.
Submission notifications are expected to be released on 20 May 2026.
Berlin Science Week 2026 opens applications for Festival Centre Programme
Berlin Science Week 2026 has opened applications for its Festival Centre Programme, with submissions closing on 24 May 2026.
The programme will take place from 6 to 8 November 2026 at Haus der Kulturen der Welt in Berlin. Researchers, institutions, innovators, artists and organisations are invited to propose talks, workshops, exhibitions and interactive events exploring themes such as artificial intelligence, climate change, health and social transformation.
The initiative aims to strengthen public engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration across science and culture. Selected participants will become part of the official Berlin Science Week programme and will receive production and communication support from the festival team.
