November 9, 2009

Science journalists to be honored at Purdue Nov. 11-13

The group, which includes eight previous and four new laureates, will participate in a public town hall meeting from 9:30-11 a.m. Thursday (Nov. 12) in the Lawson Computer Science Building foyer. The topic is "Science Journalism in the Age of Twitter." Moira Gunn, host of "Tech Nation" and "BioTech Nation," which are heard on National Public Radio, will moderate the discussion. A public reception will follow the talk.

"Thanks to science writers, people around the world can stay informed about the latest nutrition advice; new technological discoveries that affect cars, bridges and roads; or cybersecurity issues that keep laptops and personal computers safe," said Irwin Weiser, interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts and organizer of the Science Journalism Laureates Program. "We are thrilled that we are able to recognize these writers for their contributions to the field, as well as have the opportunity to learn from them while they are at Purdue."

Throughout their visit, the journalists will interact with the Purdue community. The laureates will meet with students, alumni and faculty to discuss new frontiers of science and technology and changes in the field of science communication.

The science journalism laureates to be honored on campus for the first time this year are:

* K. John Morrow Jr., author and freelance writer.

* Susan Hassler, member of IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) and a science and technology editor and journalist.

* Kevin Maney, independent journalist, author and consultant.

* Peter Winter, editor of "The Burrill Report," which analyzes the business and financial progress of the biotechnology sector.

The previous laureates who will return for this year's program are:

* Moira Gunn, host of "Tech Nation" and "BioTech Nation," which are heard on National Public Radio.

* Jeffrey R. Young, writer and senior editor for The Chronicle of Higher Education.

* Peter Pockley, senior correspondent for Australasian Science Magazine.

* Clive Cookson, science editor for the Financial Times.

* Nuala Moran, freelance journalist and the UK correspondent of BioWorld and senior editor of ScienceBusiness.

* David Ewing Duncan, a journalist and author of six books and a television and radio producer and correspondent.

* Jon Van, freelance writer.

* Joel Garreau, reporter and editor at The Washington Post.

The laureates are selected based on their reputation for thought-provoking work and aptitude for translating scientific discoveries into a format the public can easily understand, Weiser said.

The event's sponsors are the colleges of Liberal Arts, Science, Consumer and Family Sciences, Engineering, Agriculture, Technology, and Education, as well as the School of Veterinary of Medicine, Continuing Education and Conferences, Discovery Learning Center, Purdue Libraries, the Department of Communication, Discovery Park, the Office of Engagement, and the Office of the Provost.

Writer: Amy Patterson Neubert, 765-494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu

Source: Irwin Weiser, 765-494-3661, iweiser@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

Note to Journalists: Journalists interested in interviewing the laureates can speak with them from 11-11:45 a.m. during Thursday's (Nov. 12) public reception

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