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The 2026 Science Writers and Communicators of Canada Conference will take place June 15 - 16 in Montréal, Québec. 

Theme: Discovery. Dialogue. Decision.

June 14, 2026: Opening Reception

June 15, 2026: Full-day Conference Sessions

June 16, 2026: Full-day Conference Sessions featuring the final competition of the SSHRC Storytellers Challenge

Register for the 2026 Conference

Preliminary Conference Program

(Not a member? Save money by becoming a member before registering!)

Early Bird Registration (Ending April 17, 2026):

Member*: $425

Non-member: $620

Discounted rate**: $250

Full Registration (Starting April 18, 2026):

Member*: $525

Non-member: $720

Discounted Rate**: $300

*For 2026 we are extending our SWCC member rate to members of the Association des communicateurs scientifiques du Québec.

**The discounted rate is available via an honour system to students, freelancers, and representatives of Indigenous organizations. We provide this option to improve the financial accessibility of our conference. However, if the standard rate is within your budget, we kindly invite you to register at the full registration cost to support the success of SWCC 2026.

Where to Stay

Conference accommodations will be the Marriott Chateau Champlain. We have negotiated a room block at a discounted rate but availability is limited so please book as soon as possible. This rate is available until April 13, 2026. 

Book a Room at the SWCC Rate

We have greatly appreciated all of the abstracts received to date. The general Call for Abstracts is now closed.

However, we are still accepting Poster Abstract Submissions from students and early career professionals as well as abstracts for 8 or 15 minute presentations from Indigenous journalists, science communicators and other Indigenous people. The deadline is March 31, 2026 at 11:59 pm ET.

Submit a Poster Abstract

Is your organization interested in supporting the Canadian science journalism and communication community? Our conference is made possible thanks to our sponsors and partners.

View Our Sponsorship Package

Theme: Discovery. Dialogue. Decision.

Navigating complexity to make sense of science.

From quantum computing to the technologies driving decarbonization and climate adaptation, from mRNA therapies to artificial intelligence, the pace of innovation is staggering, and the implications touch every aspect of our lives. In an age when scientific progress often outpaces public understanding, the work of science journalists, communicators, educators, and policy makers has never mattered more. Yet in the current landscape of political polarization, public mistrust, and the decline of traditional science media, this work comes with significant challenges.

SWCC 2026 Montréal explores how science journalists and communicators bridge this growing gulf: turning technical language into meaning, uncertainty into dialogue, and understanding into informed decision-making – and in particular, how our success depends on new frameworks, inclusive practices, and creative means of connection. Together, we will consider how to keep human judgment, reconciliation, and ethics at the heart of progress, and ensure that scientific knowledge remains understandable, transparent, and inclusive.

Through impactful presentations, engaging workshops, practical skill sessions, and meaningful conversations, the conference will explore how science communication helps society keep pace with progress, providing ideas and tools to ensure that discovery continues to serve people, communities, and our shared future.

Discovery – Frontiers of Science and Innovation. Exploring how scientific and technological advances are reshaping our world.

Example topics include:

• Quantum computing, AI-driven research, biotechnology, synthetic biology, or mRNA therapies
• Technologies driving decarbonization, climate adaptation, and critical-mineral innovation
• The future of health, energy, and environmental systems
• Science and innovation storytelling

Dialogue – Communicating Complexity and Building Understanding. Examining how we translate, interpret, and communicate complex or polarizing science for public audiences.

Example topics include:

• Translating complexity and uncertainty for diverse publics
• Bridging divides: science journalism, institutional communication, and citizen engagement
• Indigenous Knowledge, Two-Eyed Seeing, and cross-cultural storytelling
• Media literacy, misinformation, and rebuilding trust
• Science communication in education, museums, and informal learning

Decision – Science, Policy, and Public Engagement. How communication influences the decisions that shape our collective future.

Example topics include:

• Science and policy interfaces in energy, health, AI, and climate governance
• Communicating risk, regulation, and evidence
• Reconciliation and ethics in science and communication
• Corporate, NGO, and government engagement strategies
• Evaluation, impact, and accountability in public communication