European Federation for Science Journalism

About the network

The European Federation for Science Journalism (EFSJ) is a non-profit umbrella organization dedicated to promoting independent, high-quality science journalism across Europe. Founded in 2019 by national science journalism associations from several European countries, including France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands and Russia (since then Russia left the federation) the federation was built to unify and strengthen the voice of reporters who specialize in science, technology, medicine, and the environment.

The EFSJ functions as a federation of national science journalism associations rather than a direct collective of individual members. Consequently, membership is primarily open to regional and national science journalism associations possessing a legal entity. However, to ensure inclusivity, individual professionals living in European countries that lack an active local science journalism association can join as associate members. Through its 100+ member organizations, the network represents hundreds of journalists and freelancers.

The federation’s activities and focus areas are structured around several core pillars:

• Critical Evaluation & Rigorous Reporting: Equipping journalists with the skills to rigorously vet scientific claims, counter misinformation, and hold scientific institutions and public policies accountable.
• New Business Models: Helping independent science journalists develop sustainable business models and funding structures to navigate the changing economic realities of the media industry.
• Encouraging Public Debate: Stimulating widespread public discourse regarding the distinct roles of science journalism versus corporate or institutional science communication.
• Cross-Border Collaboration: Establishing transnational investigative reporting grants and facilitating cross-border coordination among science reporters.

Because the network comprises specialized science journalists, its members cover an extensive range of subjects approached from a scientific, medical, or academic perspective, including:

• Climate & Environment: Investigating climate change, ecological degradation, energy transitions, and environmental science.
• Health & Social Issues: Reporting on medical research, public health infrastructures, bioethics, and behavioral sciences.
• Technology & Innovation: Examining the societal impacts of emerging tech, data systems, and applied sciences.

Network Projects

• The European Conference of Science Journalism (ECSJ): Organised regularly in different European host cities (such as Hannover), the ECSJ is a premier gathering drawing science journalists, writers, and communication experts from across the continent for professional development, debates, and networking.
• The European Science Journalist of the Year Award: A prestigious annual award hosted by the federation to recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements, originality, and high-impact reporting by European science journalists.
• Investigative & Travel Grants: The federation actively sets up specialized initiatives, such as bi-annual investigative reporting grants (e.g., Climate Grants) and travel bursaries, empowering journalists to pursue complex cross-border science investigations and attend major professional summits.

Contact
Website: https://www.efsj.eu

Contact

Website: https://www.efsj.eu