Last February the World Federation of Science Journalists and The Kavli Foundation organized their first Symposium on the Future of Science Journalism, with the goal of strengthening independent and critical science journalism.

At the meeting, 50 science journalists from 16 countries discussed, among other things, that “it is becoming increasingly clear that science journalism needs to better define and distinguish itself in the midst of a growing array of information sources.” From the report:

Thanks in part to suggestions from Dan Fagin from New York University, “the working group [..] recommends creating a collaborative working document that states the core values and skill competencies of science journalists and explicates what the group means when it says this is good science journalism.”

“Draft inclusions in this document are:

1. Core Values
   1. Challenge and verify
   2. Transparency
   3. Context
   4. Use of evidence
   5. Integrity
   6. Engagement
2. Core competencies
   1. Science literacy and numeracy
   2. Use and evaluation of experts and expertise
   3. Use of evidence and scientific augmentation
   4. Clear, entertaining presentation of scientific information
   5. Understand and pursue science and society connections
   6. Combining science storytelling/backgrounds with use of new digital and social media tools.

Link: the symposium’s full report (pdf)