Lightsources.org is part of the 6th World Conference of Science Journalists (WCSJ) in London this year...
... and we would like to warmly invite journalists from around the globe to the Official Welcome Reception.
Taking place on Tuesday 30th June at the grand Central Hall in prestigious Westminster, London, the Official Welcome Reception is being coordinated by the local host synchrotron Diamond Light Source, and sponsored by lightsources.org and Helmholtz Association.
Come along to hear the latest research in synchrotron science from some of the world's leading science facilities, and to network with science writers from around the globe.
Whilst in the UK, why not take the opportunity to visit four UK world-class science facilities and the University of Oxford?
Oxfordshire has been at the forefront of the UK’s scientific research activity for over 50 years. To illustrate the amazing diversity and significance of Oxfordshire based science facilities, four research establishments will open their doors to delegates of the WCSJ on Friday 3rd July. This unique chance to get the latest science stories is coupled with the opportunity to network with lightsources communicators. The entire event is free of charge and a bus will be provided for transport from London to Oxfordshire and back.
The facilities taking part are:
Central Laser Facility (CLF)
The Central Laser Facility (CLF) is a world-leading laser facility providing scientists with an unparalleled range of state of the art technology in the provision and application of ultra-fast and high intensity lasers.
Diamond Light Source
As the UK's national synchrotron science facility, Diamond generates brilliant beams of light, from infrared to X-rays, which are used in a wide range of applications, from structural biology through fundamental physics and chemistry to cultural heritage. Diamond is a member of lightsources.org.
ISIS
ISIS is the world-leading neutron and muon source. It allows scientists to study materials at the atomic level for research in physics, chemistry, materials science, geology, engineering and biology.
The Joint European Torus (JET)
As Europe's premier fusion research facility, JET is the world’s largest magnetic fusion experiment, where researchers are developing nuclear fusion as a vital carbon-free energy source for the power stations of the future, under the European Fusion Development Agreement (EFDA).
Visitors will get to see behind the scenes at each facility and there will also be an informal evening reception (free) at Magdalen College, Oxford, which celebrated its 550th anniversary in 2008. This reception is a great opportunity for journalists to meet some of Oxford University’s finest scientists. The event will be hosted by Marcus du Sautoy, Professor of Mathematics and Charles Simonyi Professor for the Public Understanding of Science, the star of recent TV programmes such as BBC Two's 'Horizon: Alan and Marcus Go Forth' and BBC Four's 'The Story of Maths'.
Other notable attendees include Professor Sir Richard Peto, Professor Lionel Tarassenko and Dr Ian Goldin. During each tour, and during the evening reception, journalists will have the opportunity to speak to scientists about their latest research work so there will be plenty of scope for science stories during the event.
Not registered for the WCSJ yet?
If not, you can do so here: http://www.wcsj2009.org/delegates.php
Please note that once you are registered, you will need to book onto our post-conference trip, entitled Fusion, Materials, the Environment and Much More. Inspiring Science (and Oxford), here: http://www.wcsj2009.org/post-conference_trips.php
The WCSJ2009 runs from Tuesday 30th June to Thursday 2nd July and will bring established and aspiring reporters, writers and science communicators from around the world to debate, network, develop their professional skills and report on the latest advances in science and technology.
By bringing journalists and science communicators together WCSJ2009 will be a forum for debate on critical science journalism issues, and an opportunity for reporting about the latest developments in science and technology.
WCSJ2009 aims to:
- raise the quality and impact of science journalism worldwide
- share excellence in independent journalism
- compare experiences with counterparts from developed and developing countries
- promote professional development
- encourage new partnerships
- report on the latest advances in science and technology
Places are filling up fast for the conference so we recommend you register ASAP for a chance to take part in the events described above.
You can find out more about the above activities by calling Silvana Damerell on +44 (0) 1235 778238 or +44 (0) 7841 432780, or Isabelle Boscaro-Clarke on +44 (0) 1235 778130 or +44 (0) 7990 797916, or Sarah Bucknall on +44 (0) 1235 778639 or +44 (0) 7920 296957.
WCSJ Official Welcome Reception is supported by:
www.lightsources.org ; www.diamond.ac.uk ; www.elettra.trieste.it ; www.synchrotron-soleil.fr ; www.helmholtz-berlin.de ; www.src.wisc.edu
