November 1, 2007

Top science journalists to be honored at Purdue Nov. 7-9

The laureates will participate in a public town hall meeting from 9:30-11 a.m. and will address the campus during a convocation from 3-5 p.m. on Thursday (Nov. 8). Both events will be in the Lawson Computer Science Building commons and are free and open to the public.

"This program highlights the importance of sharing knowledge and the need for scientists and communicators to work together," said Purdue's interim Provost Victor Lechtenberg. "The science writer has a key role in the process that leads from discovery to its impact on society, and they deserve to be recognized and encouraged.

"Significant research results alone are not enough for scientific work to reach its full potential. A connection must be made with funding organizations, policy-makers and the public for the work to have its greatest impact. Understanding the importance of this communication and how best to achieve it is crucial for a research university such as Purdue and for the future success of our students."

Throughout their visit, the journalists will interact with the Purdue community. The laureates will meet with students, alumni and faculty to discuss new frontiers of science and technology and changes in the field of science communication.

"The science writer plays a vital role in our society by translating research discoveries into something the public can understand," said Jeffrey Vitter, the Frederick L. Hovde Dean of the College of Science. "It is like the old saying, 'If a tree falls in the forest and there is no one to hear it, does it make a sound?' If a researcher makes a breakthrough discovery and the decision-maker cannot understand it, the impact is lessened.

"As Purdue's College of Science celebrates its centennial, we reflect on the scientific achievements of the past and look to the future. Communication has come a long way in the last century, and the progress and intertwinement with our daily lives will only increase. We will need journalists to help us navigate through the flood of information we will face every day. By honoring leaders in the science-writing field, Purdue is making a call to all universities to showcase the importance of this field. "

The laureates are selected based on their reputation for thought-provoking work and aptitude for translating scientific discoveries into a format the public can easily understand. The laureate must be a leading science and technology journalist or communicator in a given field and should be recognized as top leaders in their primary medium and field of expertise.

The science journalism laureates to be honored on campus for the first time this year are:

- Vicki Brower, writer for Nature Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering News.

- Joel Garreau, journalist and editor for the Washington Post.

- Peter Pockley, senior correspondent for Australian Science.

- Jon Turney, science writer and editor and head of the master of science program in creative non-fiction for the Imperial College of London.

- Jon Van, science and technology reporter for the Chicago Tribune.

- Glenn Zorpette, executive editor for IEEE publications.

The founding laureates also will return to Purdue to join the 2007 laureates for this year's program. The founding laureates are:

- Clive Cookson, science editor for the Financial Times of London.

- David Ewing Duncan, science journalist for Discover, National Geographic and PBS's Nova.

- Simon Grose, science and technology editor for the Canberra Times.

- Moira Gunn, host of National Public Radio's "Tech Nation" and "BioTech Nation."

- Joan Leach, science communications program at the University of Queensland.

- Sabine Louet, news editor of Nature Biotechnology.

- Apoorva Mandavilli, senior news editor of Nature Medicine.

- Nuala Moran, editor of science and business and correspondent for BioWorld.

- Jason Pontin, editor in chief of Technology Review and columnist for the New York Times.

- Jeff Young, senior editor of the Chronicle of Higher Education.

Sponsors of the event are Purdue colleges of Agriculture; Education; Engineering; Liberal Arts; Pharmacy, Nursing and Health Sciences; Science; Technology; and the School of Veterinary Medicine, Office of the Provost, Office of Engagement, Office of Conferences and Continuing Education, Discovery Park, Purdue Libraries and Department of Communication.

More information about the Science Journalism Laureates Program is available online at https://www.sciencejournalismlaureates.net

Writer: Elizabeth Gardner, (765) 494-2081, ekgardner@purdue.edu

Sources: Jeffrey S. Vitter, (765) 494-1730, sciencedean@purdue.edu

John Fisher, director of special events for the College of Science, (765) 494-0586, jrfisher@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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