About us
This is a translation of the page 'Over de VWN'
The Vereniging voor wetenschapsjournalistiek en –communicatie Nederland (VWN; Association for Science Journalism and Communication Netherlands) is an organization of and for journalists interested in science, scholarship, and technology. Because many members do not limit themselves to journalism, but also explain science in other ways, and because the boundaries between the various forms of science communication are vague anyway, other science communicators are also welcome.
The VWN organizes excursions and workshops to promote the expertise of its members; it organizes symposia on (for example) revenue models in a changing media landscape or the threat to academic journals; it maintains contacts with research organizations, media, sister organizations at home and abroad, and the Dutch association of journalists (NVJ).
To avoid misunderstandings; the VWN is not a trade union. For legal aid, we refer to the NVJ.
Vision
Independent (science) journalism is essential for a democratic society. Independence makes it possible to inform about science, scholarship, and technology from different perspectives, which contributes to the democratic control of the scientific enterprise. The journalist’s task is to inform the public as best as possible about the various developments and to point at their significance for both individuals and society.
Journalistic and other forms of science communication must highlight the limitations of research, in order to prevent that the credibility of and trust in science is undermined by excessive optimism.
Competencies
Science journalists (and other science communicators) possess similar competencies. They can understand the meaning of scientific and technological developments and are able to locate and contextualize experts. Everyone relies on facts and arguments, and knows that science is “work in progress”. Not least, they can translate complicated topics into clear and compelling stories and programs. All forms of science communication therefore find each other within the VWN.
International
The VWN is a member of the European Federation for Science Journalism (EFSJ) and the World Federation for Science Journalists (WFSJ). Both federations encourage independent journalism on the various fields of science, scholarship, and engineering.