The Canadian SciComm organization, the Science Writers and Communicators of Canada, is looking to provide a more comprehensive membership experience

By Elizabeth Benner   •    December 8, 2025

SWCC News

An important activity of the Science Writers and Communicators of Canada (SWCC) has been to provide timely and relevant professional development and networking opportunities through regular virtual events. Earlier this fall, the SWCC announced that its members will no longer be charged to attend these events, and that the associated costs will now be included in their annual membership fee.

As one of the largest science communication organizations in the country, the SWCC is taking steps to enrich memberships for existing holders and attract new individuals who are looking to develop their skills and knowledge in the field.

The Chair of the SWCC Ethics Committee, Rhonda Moore, giving a presentation at the 2025 SWCC Annual Conference in Fredericton, N.B.. Moore will be hosting a Member Meet-up in early January on the SWCC's next steps following the organization's release of their Guidelines for the Ethical Use of AI earlier this year. (Photo by SWCC)

SWCC President, Lucas Kavanagh, is excited about this change.

“We want to add as much value to the SWCC membership as possible. Removing barriers to these events also means more people can attend, facilitating lively discussions and more opportunities for networking,” he said.

Earlier this month, Kavanagh hosted a “Discussion on Fact Checking” Member Meet-up event, where attendees had the opportunity to share fact-checking strategies and best practices. The SWCC Professional Development Committee also hosted a fireside chat the following week with the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, who spoke on how to keep women and girls engaged in science.

For members who are not available to attend, all professional development events will be recorded and available via email link afterwards, as long as they register beforehand. While Member Meet-ups are also included in this change, a recording will not be available following the event in order to encourage attendee participation.

Speakers from the most recent SWCC virtual Member Meet-up and professional development events. From left to right: Lucas Kavanagh, the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Tara Wood and Marty Kurylowicz.

SWCC Board members Kristina Campbell and Joshua Mogyoros are serving as co-chairs of the Professional Development and Membership Committee as of October 2025. Campbell wants to make sure that not only are members engaged throughout these events, but that they also come away informed and equipped for the future.

“Science communicators are facing some urgent issues and challenges at this moment in time,” she says. “Through SWCC’s professional development events, we’re aiming to provide a variety of tools and perspectives – coming from both inside and outside the organization – so we can navigate these challenges together.”

In order to cover event costs, the SWCC raised their membership fees, doing so for the first time in a decade. The organization has also introduced a new membership price tier for those who self-declare as unable to pay the full amount.

The new membership fees went into effect on October 1, 2025.

Next event

"Ethics and Generative AI: Next Steps for the SWCC". Virtual Member Meet-up. Speaker: Rhonda Moore. (Jan 7, 2026)

Earlier this year, the SWCC distributed a survey to its members to gauge their use and perspectives on Generative AI in science writing and communication, as well as how they view the SWCC's role in addressing its implications. On January 7th, Moore and members of the SWCC Ethics Committee will be hosting a Member Meet-up event to discuss the survey findings and its themes.

Register for "Ethics and Generative AI: Next Steps for the SWCC".

See the full list of SWCC virtual events.

Past Events

Since the start of this past fall, the SWCC has hosted four virtual events. More information can be found at the links below.

"Discussion on Fact Checking". Virtual Member Meet-up. Speaker: Lucas Kavanagh. (Nov 5, 2025)

"Keeping Women and Girls Engaged in Science: The Role of Science Communicators, from Policy to Press Coverage". Virtual Professional Development Event. Speaker: the Honourable Kirsty Duncan. (Nov 13, 2025)

"Using SciFi to Promote Science Curiosity & Vision". Virtual Professional Development Event. Speaker: Marty Kurylowicz. (Dec 4, 2025)

"Understanding Identity in Science Communication: Building Connection and Trust". Virtual Member Meet-up. Speaker: Tara Wood. (Dec 10, 2025)