SWCC members gather in Fredericton to discuss science communication’s changing international landscape – and how to plan for the road ahead

By Elizabeth Benner   •    November 10, 2025

SWCC News

Scientific cooperation has had a significant role in maintaining harmony around the world. Sharing information and knowledge between countries not only encourages collaboration among researchers, but also allows national representatives to resolve conflicting points of view. However, evolving international relationships in the last decade have caused science and its communication to be sidelined in the political discourse. Science communicators are now finding it more and more difficult to inform key audiences, leading to growing unrest among communities.

At the 2025 annual Science Writers and Communicators of Canada (SWCC) conference, which took place June 12–13 in Fredericton, SWCC president Rhonda Moore opened the event with a panel of international science journalists to draw attention to this important conversation. The panelists, part of the World Federation of Science Journalists (WFSJ), spoke on the current state of science communication and media in their home countries — Costa Rica, Mexico and the United States.

“We’ve had some challenges in the last few years, which I think is a trend in many countries worldwide,” said Debbie Ponchner, an award-winning Costa Rican science journalist and editor of Knowable en español. She describes how the government’s relationship with journalists has changed in her country. “They have been very harsh in attacks [on] the press.

Panelist, Debbie Ponchner, speaking to attendees at the Science Writers and Communicators of Canada Conference on June 12, 2025 in Frederickton, New Brunswick. (Photo by SWCC)

This conflict not only interferes with journalists’ ability to inform the public, but also erodes their authority and credibility as storytellers. However, it’s not just government administrations that are a cause for concern. Changes in technology and information-sharing has opened up new avenues of communication — some of which may be harder to use than others.

Changing patterns in readership

Over the past few decades, a shift in how readers consume information has destabilized revenue sources, moving the industry from print to digital media. Newer social media platforms have also emphasized quicker, more digestible content formats, like TikTok and Instagram reels. And, thanks to the accessibility of the internet, anyone can post anything.

“As Americans, we are seeing more scenarios where it is difficult to inform our audiences with verified, scientific information,” said Tinsley Davis on what keeps her up at night. Davis is the Executive Director of the US National Association of Science Writers and a leader and advocate for issues in STEM — Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics — and science journalism.

Davis continued, "people have shifted the way they get information, with more of it coming from social media… but they don’t have a complete understanding of what is verified and what is a [reputable] journalistic source."

To prevent the spread of misinformation, and the social division which comes with it, Ponchner said it’s not enough to simply tell the stories — you need to engage with the public to maintain that connection.

“You have to have to go where the audience is,” she said, in response to an audience question about reaching viewers on social media. “Whoever you want to reach — you have to go there.”

Attendees at the 2025 SWCC conference asking the panelists questions about the evolving challenges in science journalism and communication. (Photo by SWCC)

With all of these obstacles, it’s understandable that science communicators and journalists are worried. Keeping up with the regular demands of the job while also constantly adapting to evolving methods of communication can be a difficult task. But the solution to this problem might be closer than we think.

Considering the future of science communication

As the discussion drew to a close, it was clear that the loss of connection and trust with audiences around the world to tell these critical stories paints a worsening picture for the stability of science. If science communicators can’t stay afloat and maintain scientific credibility in this changing world, it will no longer be clear where the truth lies.

But as Aleida Rueda, a science journalist and science communicator at the Centre for Complexity Sciences in Mexico, emphasizes that science communicators must first recognize that they can’t do this alone.

"If science communicators can’t stay afloat and maintain scientific credibility in this changing world, it will no longer be clear where the truth lies."

“Ten years ago, we didn’t have a network, we didn’t have colleagues to help each other reflect about what we can do together,” Rueda said. “What gives me hope is collaboration,”

As science communicators move into the coming years, one thing is clear — connection is the vital ingredient in getting them through this moment in time. And this isn’t just working with colleagues in research, journalism and communications, but also with those who are able to help us best use social media platforms and those who can get communicators in front of the leaders of nations. Only through acknowledging our need for connection, can communicators successfully connect with their audience.