The 13th World Conference of Science Journalists (WCSJ 2025), set for 1–5 December in Tshwane, South Africa, is inviting science journalists and researchers worldwide to rethink storytelling in a tech-driven era. Under the theme “Out of the Box and Ex Africa,” the conference challenges the global science journalism community to explore innovative, technology-enhanced approaches that contextualize and connect science across cultures.
“The choice of theme is purposeful,” says Dr Blade Nzimande, South Africa’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation. “WCSJ 2025 doesn’t just celebrate African science, it invites the world to learn from its creativity, resilience, and growing role in the global scientific dialogue.”
Technology is a key driver in reshaping science journalism and scientific innovation. From AI-powered research tools and precision medicine shaped by diverse genetic data to assistive technologies that transform accessibility, these innovations are redefining how science stories are discovered, communicated, and understood. Journalists now leverage technology to craft narratives that are both engaging and impactful, making complex science accessible to audiences worldwide.
Scientific production continues to surge globally, with more than 3.3 million articles published in 2023 alone. While countries like China, the United States, India, and Germany remain leading contributors, Africa’s research ecosystem—including institutions such as the National Research Foundation—is growing rapidly. Expanding global partnerships and investments in technology further underscore the significance of hosting WCSJ 2025 on African soil.
Lynne Smit, senior editor at Nature Africa and a member of WCSJ 2025’s local organising committee, emphasizes the tech-driven potential: “Many of the breakthroughs showcased here—from AI health innovations to tech-enabled precision medicine—signal the new era of science journalism that embraces emerging technologies as catalysts for global collaboration and creative storytelling.”
Technological innovation will be on full display at WCSJ 2025. Efforts toward a functional HIV cure, accelerated through data-sharing platforms and international research collaboration, highlight how technology is central to addressing global health challenges. These examples underscore how tech-enabled partnerships drive progress in health and scientific innovation worldwide.
Engela Duvenage, WCSJ 2025 Conference Director, adds: “The program deliberately pushes boundaries, embracing creative, tech-enhanced storytelling with a local perspective that resonates worldwide.”
To ensure broad participation, the conference offers over 60 travel grants for journalists from low- and middle-income countries and early-career professionals. Attendees will engage in workshops and masterclasses led by science communication leaders on topics such as AI in health, ethical science journalism across cultures, and leveraging technology to boost story impact and audience engagement.
Hosted at the state-of-the-art CSIR International Convention Centre in Tshwane, WCSJ 2025 stands as Africa’s premier platform to showcase how technology is transforming both scientific research and the way it is reported—signaling a bold new frontier for global science communication.