SciLine [1] is a free service for journalists and scientists based at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the world’s largest multidisciplinary scientific society. Editorially independent, nonpartisan, and funded by philanthropies, SciLine has a singular mission of enhancing the amount and quality of scientific evidence in news stories. Accuracy, clarity, fairness, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to evidence are core to that mission.

SciLine has helped thousands of journalists add small but important doses of science to their local news stories. Now, we’re offering a FREE one-hour “crash course”—designed specifically for local and general assignment reporters—to teach basic principles about how science works and ways it can be used to strengthen virtually any news story.

Freelance science reporter Elena Renken and Ph.D. neuroscientist Dr. Tori Espensen will together lay out key do’s, don’ts, and pitfalls to watch for when including science in your news reporting. Among the topics covered:

• Knowing whether and how science can enhance your story;
• Different kinds of studies and what each can—and cannot—reveal;
• Practical tips for identifying credible scientist-sources and interviewing them; and
• How to get the essentials from scientific reports, studies, and press releases.

Forty-five minutes of interactive teaching will be followed by a 15-min open Q&A.

Please note that this webinar will not be recorded. 

When: Dec 4, 2025 @ 2-3 p.m. ET

Register here [2].

More Science essentials for local reporters sessions will be scheduled in the future. Journalists, you can sign up here [3] to be alerted when registration opens for future sessions and to join SciLine’s network of journalists.