IVth Forum Physics and Society - Science Journalism and Scientific Communication

El Escorial, Madrid, Spain, October 21-23, 2010

Following on the successful forums in Graz (Austria, 2006), Zakopane (Poland, 2007) and Ratnieki (Latvia, 2009), the European Physical Society is organizing the fourth Forum on Physics and Society in Madrid, Spain. This Forum will focus on Science Journalism and Scientific Communication.

The purpose of this symposium is to bring together scientists (physicists) and experts in the field of science journalism, scientific communication and public media (TV, Radio, Internet). Topics will span from the definition and analysis of the issues and challenges related to the role of scientific communication, to the responsibility of the scientists and media in presenting relevant scientific results (environment, climate, energy, etc.) to the public. The Forum will concentrate on identifying 'good practices' and issues where EPS and other organizations might have influence. It will summarize and present its conclusions and recommendations.

Three topics have been selected:

• Journalism and Communication of Science

• The role of electronic media and scientific responsability

• Science communication, a tool for recruiting new students

The format of the meeting will be the Forum’s standard format of working groups preparing a set of recommendations, introduced by key note speakers.

Keynote speakers are being invited for each of these topics.  These will be announced when their participation has been confirmed. 

Attendance is limited to 50 participants to enable proper discussion.  These should be representatives of National Physical Societies or of EPS Divisions or Groups.  In the event of oversubscription the Forum committee (see below) will select participants to ensure a balanced representation by country and by expertise.   

The Forum will officially start on Thursday morning 21 October and end with a dinner on the evening of Saturday 23 October.  The participants are expected to arrive on Wednesday 20 and leave on Sunday morning 24. Transport will be arranged to and from …(airport and railway station). The cost for attending the Forum is €XX per person, including transport to and from Madrid central station accommodation and meals.

More detailed information on the IVth Forum Physics and Society on http://www.iff.csic.es/fama/con/fps4/home.html