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The Joan Hollobon Award for beat reporting is a part of the National Newspaper Awards which recognizes the absolute best from across Canada! The Globe and Mail sponsored the award in Joan’s name.
Sean Fine, the legal reporter for The Globe and Mail, won that honour. The 2022 National Newspaper Awards were presented on 5 May 2023.
To many Globe staffers, like Andre Picard, Joan is seen as an absolute legend as a health reporter and a trailblazing woman. This photo of Joan is from 1956 when she first joined The Globe and Mail and it was featured in the initial announcement of the Award. Here’s what the prize said:
“The Beat Reporting award will be named after Joan Hollobon. As the Globe and Mail's medical reporter from 1959 to 1985, Joan set the standard for what beat reporting should be. She developed expertise that allowed her to tackle breaking news, investigative pieces and explanatory articles with equal ease, and earned the (sometimes grudging) respect of the physicians, scientists and politicians she covered. As one of the first women on the medical beat, she also blazed a trail for generations that would follow. Joan is 102, lives in Toronto and was recently awarded the Order of Canada.”
The Science Writers and Communicators of Canada (SWCC) is pleased to announce the list of finalists for the 2022 SWCC Book Awards.
For the general category:
Wired for Music: A Search for Health and Joy Through the Science of Sound
Written by Adriana Barton (Publisher: Greystone Books)
Woman, Watching: Louise de Kiriline Lawrence and the Songbirds of Pimisi Bay
Written by Merilyn Simonds (Publisher: ECW Press)
The Invisible Siege: The Rise of Coronaviruses and the Search for a Cure
Written by Dan Werb (Publisher: Crown)
For the children’s category:
The Museum of Odd Body Leftovers: A Tour of Your Useless Parts, Flaws, and Other Weird Bits
Written by Rachel Poliquin, Illustrated by Clayton Hanmer (Publisher: Greystone Kids)
The Astronomer Who Questioned Everything: The Story of Maria Mitchell
Written by Laura Alary, Illustrated by Ellen Rooney (Publisher: Kids Can Press)
The Girl Who Built an Ocean: An Artist, an Argonaut, and the True Story of the World’s First Aquarium
Written by Jess Keating, Illustrated by Michelle Mee Nutter (Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers)
The Raven Mother
Written by Hetxw’ms Gyetxw (Brett D. Huson), Illustrated by Natasha Donovan (Publisher: HighWater Press)
Please stay tuned for an announcement about the winners in August 2023, including SWCC’s newest award: The Paradigm Prize for Underrepresented Perspectives in Science Writing.
For more information, please contact:
Katelyn Brown, General Manageroffice@sciencewriters.caWebsite: https://sciencewriters.caFollow us on TwitterLike us on Facebook
The Science Writers & Communicators of Canada (SWCC) was founded in 1970 as the Canadian Science Writers’ Association by a small group of science and medical reporters who recognized their role in helping other Canadians better understand rapid changes occurring in our world. Today, we are a national association that welcomes media professionals, communications officers in science and technology-related institutions, technical writers, and educators – all of whom are involved in communicating science and technology to non-specialist audiences.
The 2023 GAC-MAC Conference will take place May 24-27, at Laurentian University, in Sudbury, Ontario.
Parallel programme announced and early bird for WCSJ 2023 extended!
Happy new year! As we stride into 2023, the Medellín conference is fast approaching. Closer still is the end of the early bird rate to save on your registration. We have had a great deal of interest and enquiries and so are extending the early bird deadline to the end of the month to allow more of you to take advantage of the special rate.
Register now to save up to $100 USD off your admission rate to WCSJ23, prices go up February 1. Book your accommodations at one of our host hotels in Medellín while you’re at it!
The full parallel programme for the World Conference of Science Journalists in Medellín, Colombia is now live! The 24 sessions across five tracks have been published on the WCSJ 2023 website as well as the details of the themes for the plenaries - though these are yet to be announced.
We are highlighting a handful of sessions below. We hope you agree they will be insightful and offer plenty of opportunity for discussion and engagement. A note from Ximena Serrano Gil, director of the WCSJ Medellín conference
This will be a wonderful year for scientific journalism, our great reunion is approaching and we are excited to know that the time will soon come to meet again, see each other face to face, hug and share.
We started this new year with many new requests from international and national institutions, as well as journalists from all corners of the planet to join the Conference, so we are building a varied, attractive and impressive WCSJ2023 for all of you.
Colombia is a magical land, its colors, rhythms, biodiversity and warmth of its people have positioned it as one of the world's attractions to visit. The New York Times last week pointed out Medellín as one of the best destinations for this year, so do not miss this great opportunity to enjoy the magic that this WCSJ will have and register soon to secure your place and attractions.
Programme information
We are happy to release more of the programme with a reminder that there are five tracks to enjoy during the conference. Details below. Track 5. Our craft: tools of the trade (ideas to improve our reporting!).
Science podcasts and the rise of audio
Give your ears the pleasure of a good science story! This session aims to share different experiences in science podcasts from around the world and show the diversity of audio stories, as well as how productions adapted to the pandemic.
Moderator:
Lindsay Patterson, USA
Speakers:
Silvia Viñas, UK
Anne Chisa, South Africa
Halima Athumani, Uganda
Writing the popular science book: Four authors tell their stories
Read any good science books lately? Ever thought of maybe writing one? This round table session with four authors of recently published books will address the challenges of planning, pitching and completing a book. Find out how they found the ways and means to succeed.
Kathryn O'Hara, Canada
Sarah Everts, Canada
Frederico Kukso, Argentina
Engela Duvenage, South Africa
Alyaa Abo-Shabha, Egypt
Track 4. North/South: to a new dialogue in the 21st century.
Reporting on Indigenous Knowledge
In this discursive session, journalists from different parts of the world talk over the issues they faced reporting on cases where science has gone wrong in a context where science denialism is surging.
Rebekah White, New Zealand
Dr Daniel Hikuroa, New Zealand
Kalen Goodluck, US Native American
Maria Clara Valencia, Colombia/Latin America
Rae Johnston, Australia
Track 1. Science immersion (great science stories)
8,000 Metres of Discovery: First Crewed Expedition to the Atacama Trench, the Deepest Point in South America
Science under pressure: come travel with researchers to the ultimate ultra deep ocean adventure, the first crewed expedition to the Atacama Trench, 8,069 metres deep, off the coast of Chile-Peru.
Angela Posada-Swafford, USA/Colombia
Dr. Osvaldo Ulloa, Chile
Hector Salvador, Spain
Mtro. Hugo Montoro, Cdr, Perú
Catalina García-Jove Contreras, Chile
More travel grants will be announced soon! Watch this space….
The World Conference of Science Journalists (WCSJ, www.wcsj.org) is the biggest global event on science journalism, attracting approximately 1,200 journalists covering science and medical issues, as well as international experts, scientists, and communicators, among others. The 10th World Conference of Science Journalists (WCSJ2017) in San Francisco (26–30 October 2017) and the 11th World Conference of Science Journalists (WCSJ2019) in Lausanne (1-5 July 2019) both attracted more than 1,300 attendees. WCSJ2023 Medellín will be hosted at the extraordinary venue of the city’s Jardin Botánico de Medellín from 27-31 March 2023.
From February 3-9, the Fifth International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC5) is taking place in Vancouver. IMPAC5 is a global gathering that brings together ocean conservation professionals and high-level officials to inform, inspire and act on marine protected areas. IMPAC5 is where the world will come together and take a stand to protect the global ocean. IMPAC5 will be jointly hosted by the Host First Nations—xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwxwú7mesh (Squamish Nation), and s ̱əlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-waututh Nation)—together with the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The event will take place at the Vancouver Convention Centre West.
Science and Health Journalists: Apply by Feb 15! The acclaimed Logan Science Journalism fellowships immerse journalists, writers, editors, and producers in hands-on training in biomedical or environmental research. Experience firsthand the life of a scientist and gain valuable insight into contemporary research approaches. Travel, room and board, and all program fees are covered for accepted fellows. The program runs May 30-June 9, 2023 at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Mass., one of the most dynamic sites for scientific discovery in the world. Apply at mbl.edu/sjp
Banff Centre is excited to have launched a suite of Literary Arts Programs for the Spring and Summer of 2023 all on our incredible mountainside campus. With both thematic and self-directed residencies we ask you to share with your networks and colleagues so we can find the best candidates to support on their literary journeys.
Graphic Novels and Visual Narratives
In this self-directed residency, we offer the space to work away from the constraints of everyday life, delve deep into creative project, and take advantage of the artistic community of peers. There will be opportunities for consultations with faculty and guests, Matt Madden, Bishakh Som, and Annie Koyama; who specialize in comics, illustration, publishing, and writing; and the option to engage in readings and group sessions, that allow creators to explore techniques, aspects, and devices that you may find useful in your practice.
*Financial Aid of 100% is available to cover tuition, and 50% is available to offset food and accommodation costs.
Program Dates: April 24 - May 05, 2023 | Application Deadline: January 25, 2023
Literary Journalism 2023
This two-week residency encourages the exploration of new ideas in journalism and experimentation in writing. Designed to challenge and stimulate, the program aims to inspire creative pieces of nonfiction and to assist the writers in their completion. You will have time to work on their manuscripts, receive individual consultations with faculty, and participate in group discussions.
*Successful applicants will receive 100% scholarship to cover tuition, on-site accommodation, and on-site meals.
Program Dates: July 03 - July 14, 2023| Application Deadline: March 08, 2023
Summer Writers Residency 2023
This self-directed residency offers the opportunity to work away from the constraints of everyday life. Delve deep into your creative project and take advantage of the artistic community of your peers around you. As a flexible self-guided program, the Summer Writers residency allows you to choose the amount of support you are looking for.
Program Dates: July 31 - August 11, 2023| Application Deadline: March 15, 2023
If you would like to receive greater recognition, monetary prizes, awards and exposure for your books, here is an opportunity not to miss. Enter the 2023 Next Generation Indie Book Awards.
Calling all indie book authors and publishers - including small presses, mid-size independent publishers, university presses, e-book publishers, and self-published authors who have a book written in English released in 2021, 2022 or 2023 or with a 2021, 2022 or 2023 copyright date to enter the most rewarding book awards program.
Offering 80+ Categories - More than 80 Awards – with over 80 monetary prizes totaling over $10,000 in cash, including $1,500 cash prizes plus trophies for best fiction book and best non-fiction book, $750 cash prizes plus trophies for second best fiction book and non-fiction book and $500 cash prizes plus trophies for third best fiction book and non-fiction book!
Entry deadline for the 2023 awards program – February 10, 2023.
The Next Generation Indie Book Awards is the largest International awards program for indie authors and independent publishers and the only book awards program of its kind offering more monetary prizes, more awards, more recognition and more exposure including exposure to a leading Literary Agent for possible representation in areas such as distribution, foreign rights, film rights, and other rights!
Presented by Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group (IBPPG) in conjunction with Marilyn Allen (formerly of Allen O'Shea Literary Agency), the Next Generation Indie Book Awards was established to recognize and honor the top independently published books of the year. IBPPG was formed to provide support and recognition for the independent book publishing profession, and we encourage all independent authors and publishers to enter their books in the 2023 Next Generation Indie Book Awards so that they too can earn recognition and receive other benefits from having an award-winning book!
Awards given to the Finalists and Winners of the 2023 Next Generation Indie Book Awards are:
Winners and Finalists will also receive:
PLUS, the top 80 books will be sent to be reviewed by New York literary agent Marilyn Allen (formerly of Allen O'Shea Literary Agency) or one of Ms. Allen's co-agents for possible representation in areas that could generate even more revenue for your book (unless an entrant prefers not to have their book forwarded to the agent). Ms. Allen has over 25 years of sales and marketing experience, including serving as Senior Vice President, Associate Publisher, and Director of Marketing for Harper Collins and directing sales and marketing teams for Simon & Schuster, Penguin Books and Avon Books. Ms. Allen has had the pleasure of working with many best-selling authors including Stephen King, Ken Follett, Barbara Kingsolver, John Gray, Mary Higgins Clark, and many more.
"Independently-published books have become a major source for quality fiction and non-fiction, but often go unrecognized by the mainstream publishing industry," notes Marilyn Allen. "Finally, an awards program has been created to recognize talented authors from this important segment of our industry. I have been a part of representing over 100 authors, and always looking for new talent, so it is a great pleasure to be part of this program. We look forward to reviewing the works of the 80 best candidates and helping these authors gain the recognition they deserve."
FIFTH GROUND ENTERTAINMENT IS ACTIVELY LOOKING FOR STORIES AND EXPERTS FOR NEW CHILDREN’S SCIENCE/NATURE SHOW WITH TVOKIDS.
ABOUT THE SHOW:
One curious kid is on a quest to uncover the secrets of ancient terrestrial places. Places where underground networks hold the key to unknown languages, where life forms rise to astounding heights, where thousands of creatures camouflage and hide, and trillions of organisms grow. As magical as they may be, these places are not fantasy: they are forests! Secrets of the Forest is a nature-science series for kids that puts our Earth’s precious forests in the spotlight.
Every episode is an awesome adventure to uncover a new secret of the forest. Our host, a young and passionate eco-lover, joins forces with scientists, conservationists and ecologists to get to the bottom of the forests’ many mysteries. Mysteries from majestic trees that protect other trees from predators, to the secret underground communications of fungi, to air-sucking moss that stores valuable information. There is no forest too big, small, or wild for this budding nature detective!
The aim of the series is to inspire a sense of wonder in our audience - so they can become nature detectives in their own right. Using the clues and their reveals, we will encourage kids to get curious about what awesome secrets lie in the forests in their own communities. Naturally, themes of conservation and effects of climate change are present throughout the series, but Secrets of the Forest will not necessarily emphasize the danger forests are in. Instead, the series gives kids the opportunity to become passionate about forests because of their true magic, sparking a life-long connection and a deeper understanding of why these spaces are worth saving.
Mystery, secrets, and epic adventures drive all creative elements of the series. While the show is documentary style, the style leans closer to epic Netflix-style nature docs than cam-corder style. These new documentaries have nailed a particular way of capturing wonder, which is the main emotion Secrets of the Forest aims to evoke. Why shouldn’t children’s content evoke that same sense of wonder?
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
We are searching for stories and/or experts in all areas related to forests! Typically we focus on a story/expert’s research activity per episode. An example topic might be “The Mystery of the Forest Flames”. The action of this episode has the host joining an eco-expert to learn about, prepare for, and even witness a prescribed burn - discovering the secret tool for conservation & habitat protection!
If you have a story idea, or are an expert in a related field, please reach out to Raj Panikkar, panik@fifthground.com.
Lydia Dotto, who served as president of the Canadian Science Writers’ Association from 1979-1980, died September 17, 2022 in Peterborough, Ontario, after a three-year battle with cancer. She was 73.
Born in Cadomin, Alberta, Lydia graduated from Carleton University’s School of Journalism in 1971. She was hired by The Globe and Mail as their science writer in 1972 following the departure of David Spurgeon.
On her first day on the job, Lydia met Joan Hollobon, then medical reporter for The Globe and Mail, and for the next six years, Lydia and Joan were the lead science and medical writers at Canada’s national newspaper. Their combined voices and interests cemented what became a lifelong friendship.
Lydia left The Globe and Mail in 1978 and established herself as a successful Canadian freelance science, nature and environmental writer and editor. With every breath she took, Lydia celebrated science. She was awarded the Sandford Fleming Medal in 1983 by the Royal Canadian Institute for outstanding achievement in promoting understanding of science among the Canadian public.
Lydia developed a special relationship with the Canadian Space Agency and Canada’s astronauts who worked there and with NASA. She was co-director of SpaceNet, a website affiliated with Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute in Toronto, where she also taught science writing. She led science writing and communications workshops for scientists in universities, industry and government, and she taught a course in environmental communications at Trent University from 2004-2014.
Author of a dozen books, including The Astronauts: Canada’s Voyageurs in Space (1993), Lydia was also a passionate freelance photographer focusing on nature and wildlife. She traveled the world – most recently to the Antarctic and Australia – and captured in photograph images that have been published in nature, conservation and wildlife magazines, as well as websites and blogs.
Encouraged to join by Joan Hollobon, Lydia became a member of the Canadian Science Writers’ Association in 1972 shortly after she was hired as science writer by The Globe and Mail. She was elected president of the Canadian Science Writers’ Association in 1979 for a one year term.
Lydia won numerous Canadian Science Writers’ Association Science; Society Journalism Awards and accolades, including:
-1974 for an article in The Globe and Mail on nuclear terrorism;
-1981 for an article in the University of Toronto Magazine on high energy physics;
-1984 for an article in Quest magazine on women in science;
-1989 honorable mention for an article in The Globe and Mail on electromagnetography;
-1993 for an article in The Globe and Mail on ethical choices and global warming;
-1994 for an article in the University of Toronto Magazine on ethics and genetic testing;
-2004 for an article in the Canadian Bar Association “National” magazine on detecting lies.
Predeceased by her parents August (Gus) Dotto and Assunta Dotto (nee Paron), Lydia is survived by her younger sister Terry Dotto, and numerous friends.
Submitted by Andy F. Visser-deVries
Address:
P.O. Box 75 Station A
Toronto, ON
M5W 1A2
