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Events

The events offered through the Science Writers and Communicators of Canada fall into three broad offerings: Professional Development & Training, Networking & Community Building, and the Annual Conference. Keep scrolling to learn more about these three Event Offerings and how to get involved. Past and upcoming events are listed below.

You can read our event policy below.

Upcoming events

    • 20 Mar 2024
    • 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    Gear up for Earth Day with our upcoming workshop hosted by climate optimist and science communicator Ive Velikova. On March 20, 3-4 pm EST, we'll explore how to leverage the power of storytelling to motivate climate action in your community. Drawing from storytelling traditions and speculative fiction genres like solarpunk, we'll brainstorm practical actions to address climate change and make a positive impact on our planet. If you're freaked out about the climate crisis, don't miss this opportunity to learn and connect!

    Price: $15 CAD for SWCC Members / $30 CAD for non-members

    Speaker Bio:

    I'm Ive Velikova (she/elle/TR), a queer science communicator based in Tiohtia:ke (Montreal). Equipped with a Master's in Science Communication, Ive uses enthusiastic storytelling to build trust in science and mobilize communities to address climate change. Working closely with scientists, she makes research-friendly, accessible and inclusive to diverse audiences.

    Ive takes an audience-first approach, presenting complex topics in clear and entertaining ways. A frequent requested Keynote Speaker, she loves engaging people with science globally. Ive has built a human-powered piano in Toronto, discussed medical jargon in a California desert, and shared the impact of dancing on the brain at a local drag show.

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ive combatted vaccine misinformation by crafting social media posts that reached 13M Canadians with Science Up First. When not immersed in science, you can find Ive hiking, birding, or planning her next adventure.


    • 04 Apr 2024
    • 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    Self-Publishing with Services 101

    Date/Time: April 4th, 2024 at 12pm to 1:30pm EST

    Price: $15 CAD for SWCC Members / $30 CAD for Non-Members

    Speaker: Emily Perkins- Friesen Press

    This event will be recorded, and the recording will only be accessible to those who paid to attend.

    Join us to delve into the world of self-publishing and its benefits to the science community. We will not only cover what self-publishing is, but will dive into a project's typical life cycle when working with a service provider to self-publish your work. You can expect to leave this presentation with tips for preparing your work for publication, what additional expectations to have with science related projects, how to ensure you have removed barriers for distributors when getting your book listed, as well as see some great examples of the types of projects we’ve worked on in the past that relate to the science field.

    To assist you in getting started with your publication journey, we will be doing a giveaway and one of the attendees will win a Free Manuscript Evaluation from one of our editors!

    Who is Friesen Press?

    FriesenPress is the world's only 100% employee-owned publishing services provider. Since 2009, we have helped thousands of authors publish over 8,000 titles. Part of Canada's largest independent book printer, Friesens Corporation, FriesenPress offers professional editing, design, distribution, and promotional support to those seeking to self-publish their books.

    Find us online:

    Facebook: @friesenpress, Twitter: @friesenpress, Instagram: @friesenpress

    Speaker Bio

    Emily Perkins is the Senior Publishing Consultant at FriesenPress – the largest publishing services provider in Canada. Her publishing career spans over 20 years – and the globe. She spent years in Amsterdam working in graphic design and later worked as a typesetter and proof-reader in the financial printing industry.

    Emily’s eclectic experience allows her to provide a holistic approach to her part in guiding the FriesenPress sales team, which ensures authors self-publish the best possible books.

    • 04 Apr 2024
    • 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    Are you interested in volunteering?

    Join us for our April Volunteer Orientation to learn more about what it entails to be an SWCC volunteer. The meeting is on April 4th from 6:00 - 6:30 pm EST / 3:00 - 3:30 pm PST.

    Please fill out our volunteer form below before the orientation so we can learn more about you!

    Volunteer Form


    • 04 May 2024
    • (CST)
    • 07 May 2024
    • (CST)
    • The Alt Hotel in Saskatoon
    • 73
    Register

    Theme: Expanding Horizons

    Location: The Alt Hotel in Saskatoon, SK

    May 4, 2024: Pre-conference events + Evening Reception
    May 5, 2024: Full-day Conference Sessions 
    May 6, 2024: Full-day Conference Sessions
    May 7, 2024: Collaborative event with the Canadian Association of Science Centres

    Three Conference Streams

    Stream 1: Technology Meets Communication

    What can we learn from futurists, neuroscientists, philosophers, and AI experts about the implications of technology on the world, and the stories we tell about it?

    Stream 2: Widening the Circle

    What happens when we consider diverse perspectives and priorities relating to science communication in Turtle Island? What about the way we do science and tell stories about science needs to change? How does diversity lead to wholeness?

    Stream 3: Beyond Disciplines

    How do interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary work, community work, and engaged scholarship challenge the very structures of our institutions? Why is that important? What can we learn when we blur the edges between disciplines—in journalism, in educational institutions, in policy?

    Registration fees:

    Early Bird Member: $575

    Early Bird Non-member: $725

    Member Registration: $625

    Non-member Registration: $775

    Student Registration: $400

    Breakfasts, lunches and snacks are provided as part of the conference fee. Also included in the conference fee is an opening reception on May 4th where food is available.

    Pre and post conference events, such as the Plain Language Workshop, the CLS + VIDO Tour and the Wanuskewin Heritage Park Tour, are not included in the conference ticket price. If you would like to attend these events, you can add them during registration at an additional cost.

    In typical SWCC tradition, there will be a "Dine-Around" on Sunday night. If you are interested in the "Dine-Around" we will have a sign-up available at the registration table during the conference.


    • 04 May 2024
    • 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM (CST)
    • Murray Library Collaborative Learning Lab (Room 145, Murray Building, University of Saskatchewan)
    Register

    Pre-Conference EventPlain Language in Science Communication

    Presented by Michelle Boulton of PLAIN Canada CLAIR

    Science writing is supposed to be dense, written in passive voice, and filled with jargon. Isn’t it?

    Jargon can be a convenient shorthand when you’re communicating with others who also speak that language. However, it doesn’t work well when you’re trying to communicate with a non-scientific audience. For that matter, even other scientists might not understand you if they’re not from the same discipline.

    In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore plain language and how to use it to make your science and technical communication easier to understand. Some of the questions we’ll tackle together include:

    • Why should we use plain language in science and technical communication?
    • Who benefits from plain language?
    • What are some of the barriers to using plain language in science?
    • How can we overcome those barriers?

    By the end of the workshop, you will have a good understanding of what plain language is and the benefits of using it to make your science communication more accessible and engaging. You’ll practice using plain language techniques to make your writing more effective and engaging and apply plain language design principles to improve readability.

    Price: $125

    If cost is prohibitive, we can provide a limited number of tickets at a reduced rate. If you wished to be considered for the sponsored ticket price, please email office@sciencewriters.ca with an answer to the question: "how will taking this workshop impact your professional development?"

    Speaker Bio

    Michelle Boulton is the managing director of 3c Publications. She began her career as a journalist, worked in marketing and print production, and eventually launched her own company. 3c Publications is a collaborative team of communication professionals (writers, editors, translators, and designers) with diverse skills and experience in a wide range of industries.

    They use evidence-based clear communication (or plain language) principles to help clients translate complex information into content that is clear and easy for everyone to understand and use. They work with a broad range of clients, including Ag-West Bio, Canadian Association of Bovine Practitioners, Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, Canadian Radiation Protection Association, NexGen Energy, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, and Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO).

    Michelle is a member of SWCC, a past president of Editors Canada, and the current head of Plain Canada Clair.

    • 04 May 2024
    • 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM (CST)
    • Canadian Light Source + VIDO, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon
    Register

    Conference Tour: Canadian Light Source + VIDO

    May 4, 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm

    Join us for a pre-conference guided tour of two pinnacle research institutions settled on the grounds of the University of Saskatchewan, the Canadian Light Source and The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO).

    Ticket Price: $50

    Transportation to and from the hotel is included. Both tours generously provided free of charge. Our ticket price is a cost recovery price for transportation to the venues.

    If you are attending the Plain Language Workshop prior to the tour, please let us know when you register. We can provide a bagged lunch for $15 if you are attending both events.

    About the Facilities:


    The Canadian Light Source (CLS) is one of the largest science projects in Canada’s history. Our facility speeds up electrons to produce intensely bright synchrotron light that allows scientists to study materials at a molecular level. Over 1,000 researchers from around the world use the CLS every year. On your tour, you'll learn about our history, how our machine works, and examples of how researchers have used our facility to conduct ground-breaking research in the fields of health, agriculture, the environment, and advanced materials.


    The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) is Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research. Part of the University of Saskatchewan, VIDO is a leader in human and animal infectious disease research and vaccine development. For almost 50 years, VIDO has developed solutions to emerging diseases including eight commercially available vaccines—six of which were world's firsts. VIDO has some of the largest and most advanced level 3 containment facilities in the world and is expanding its specialized infrastructure to include a GMP manufacturing facility, a new housing animal facility, and level 4 containment research capacity.

    Website: www.vido.org


    • 07 May 2024
    • 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
    Register

    A Day at Wanuskewin Heritage Park

    Join us for a day at Wanuskewin Heritage Park in collaboration with the Canadian Association of Science Centres. 


    Ticket Price: $80

    Breakfast, lunch and transportation included. 

    Agenda:

    9:00 - 9:30 am: Transportation to the Meewasin Northeast Swale & Breakfast

    9:30 - 11:00 am: Exploring the Meewasin Northeast Swale

    11:00 - 12:00 pm: Lunch

    12:00 - 12:30 pm: Transportation to Wanuskewin Heritage Park

    12:30 - 3:30 pm: Learning on the land at Wanuskewin Heritage Park

    3:30 - 4:00 pm Transportation Back to Hotel


Past events

13 Mar 2024 AI Tools in Sci-Comm
06 Mar 2024 SWCC Volunteer Orientation
29 Feb 2024 Scouting Scholars: A Conversation on Finding Scientific Sources
07 Feb 2024 Science Communication 101 with Ive Velikova
06 Feb 2024 SWCC Volunteer Orientation
31 Jan 2024 Introduction to Plain Language Workshop
25 Jan 2024 Member Meet-Up: Mentorship in SciComm
16 Jan 2024 SWCC Volunteer Orientation
22 Nov 2023 November Member Meet-up
24 Oct 2023 How Open Science and Open Access can unlock knowledge for diverse audiences
04 Oct 2023 The lure of the preprint: The risks and opportunities of un-peer-reviewed science
19 Sep 2023 Annual General Meeting 2023
08 Jun 2023 SWCC Science Tour Day 2
07 Jun 2023 SWCC Science Tour Day 1
05 Jun 2023 SWCC Annual Conference 2023
23 May 2023 The Joys of Conferences
03 May 2023 The ‘Good’ of Good Science Communication: An Ethical Interlude
24 Apr 2023 SEO 101: OPTIMIZING YOUR SCIENCE WRITING
21 Mar 2023 Not Your Average Book Club
07 Feb 2023 February Member Meet Up
23 Jan 2023 Delivering Sci Comm to Younger Audiences
07 Dec 2022 December Member Meet Up
29 Nov 2022 Freelancing FAQs: An Interactive Workshop
16 Nov 2022 November Member Meet Up
26 Oct 2022 Podcasting 101
19 Oct 2022 October Member Meet Up
28 Sep 2022 SWCC Monthly Meet-Up
27 Sep 2022 From Query to Bookshelf: A Q&A with publishers and authors
13 Sep 2022 SWCC Annual General Meeting
15 Jun 2022 Member Meet Up
26 May 2022 Join a SWCC Mission and Vision Focus Group
02 May 2022 Symposium for Science Engagement: Communicating the Urgency of Planetary Health.
05 Oct 2021 Annual General Meeting
17 Jun 2021 2021 Virtual Conference - Day 7
16 Jun 2021 2021 Virtual Conference - Day 6
15 Jun 2021 2021 Virtual Conference - Day 5
14 Jun 2021 2021 Virtual Conference - Day 4
11 Jun 2021 2021 Virtual Conference - Day 3
09 Jun 2021 2021 Virtual Conference - Day 2
07 Jun 2021 2021 Virtual Conference
07 Jun 2021 2021 Virtual Conference - Day 1
03 Jun 2021 Barriers in Science Communications for Black and People of Colour
06 May 2021 Communicating with Children and Museums
12 Apr 2021 Indigenous Communications - Waubgeshig Rice
06 Apr 2021 Indigenous Communications - Dr. Hilding Neilson
28 Jan 2021 Top 10 Non-COVID Science Stories of 2020
15 Dec 2020 SWCC Holiday Social
02 Dec 2020 Science Through A Photographer’s Eye
04 Nov 2020 Disinformation. It’s partly our fault!
30 Jun 2020 2020 Virtual Conference
16 Jun 2020 Pro-D Session: Cognit.ca with Mike Matheson
25 May 2019 Freelance Skill Share Extraordinaire
23 May 2019 Opening Reception - 2019 SWCC Conference
23 May 2019 Heart & Head - 2019 Annual Conference
23 May 2019 Winnipeg Science Tour
22 May 2019 Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) Tour
17 Nov 2018 Building Indigenous Relationships Workshop: Deadline to register Nov 15
14 May 2018 SWCC2018 delegate membership discount
15 Apr 2018 Victoria RBCM Sessions and Tour Day
15 Apr 2018 Snorkel Safari
13 Apr 2018 Beakerhead at SWCC mini-course
12 Apr 2018 SciComm Social, tickets
12 Apr 2018 On The Edge 2018 Annual Conference
20 Feb 2018 SWCC 2018 Acclaimed Slate Vote
22 Sep 2017 Book Award Presentation Event
20 Sep 2017 Youth Book Awards Presentation
25 Jul 2017 SWCC 2017 Acclaimed Slate: Register Your Vote
03 Apr 2017 CSWA Constitution Vote 2017
19 Dec 2016 3rd ANNUAL TORONTO SCIENCE WRITERS/PRODUCERS YEWL
28 Nov 2016 CSWA Runoff Name Vote
14 Oct 2016 CSWA Name Vote
02 Jun 2016 CSWA Conference & Annual Meeting: Guelph 2016
20 Feb 2016 Improv for Science Communicators
25 Jan 2016 data journalism/journalisme des données, 2016
11 Jan 2016 Science Journalism Award Submission, 2016
11 Jan 2016 Science Communication Award Submission, 2016
15 Dec 2015 2016 Herb Lampert Emerging Journalist Award Submission
26 Nov 2015 Pub night Ottawa
20 Nov 2015 Pub night: Vancouver
03 Apr 2015 CSWA 2015 Annual Conference, Saskatoon
19 Jan 2015 Science Journalism Award Submission
19 Jan 2015 Science Communication Award Submission
19 Jan 2015 Herb Lampert Emerging Journalist Award Submission
30 Jul 2014 Science of Beer pub night
26 Jun 2014 CSWA pub night
05 Jun 2014 CSWA 2014 Annual Conference, June 5 - 8
15 Apr 2014 CSWA Board Nominations Open, Deadline April 25
17 Feb 2014 Fast Talker 3 minute thesis competition
01 Feb 2014 Herb Lampert Emerging Journalist Award Submission
01 Feb 2014 Science Communication Award Submission
01 Feb 2014 Science Journalism Award Submission
06 Jun 2013 CSWA 2013 Annual Conference, June 6-9
28 Jan 2013 Understanding Medical Journal Articles & Medical Statistics - Webinar
02 Jun 2012 CSWA 2012 Annual Conference, June 2-5
30 Sep 2011 Coffee with Chris Hadfield
09 Jun 2011 CSWA 2011 Annual Conference, June 9-13


Event Policy

The SWCC organizes events that create value for members by providing opportunities for a) professional development, b) to exchange ideas, c) network with other members or d) some combination of the above.

The SWCC reserves the right to charge an entry fee for events in order to a) cover costs associated with organizing events and b) to generate revenue for the organization.

Cancellations: Individuals who pay for admission to an SWCC event are entitled to a refund if they email the General Manager at office@sciencewriters.ca, no later than 2 business days prior to the event. Refunds will take approximately 3 - 5 business days to process. This cancellation policy does not include the Conference events.

No shows: Individuals who pay for admission to an SWCC event and who miss the event are not entitled to a refund.

When technology permits, and with the approval of the event speakers, SWCC reserves the right to record PD events. All registered attendees—including no-shows—will have access to event recordings.

The SWCC board, on behalf of the members, steward the human and financial resources of the organization wisely. Any speaker fees or honorariums paid to speakers must abide by the SWCC Honorarium policy.


Address:

P.O. Box 75 Station A

Toronto, ON

M5W 1A2

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