CSIR-NPL, New Delhi, organised an online training programme on “Popular Science Writing” on 16 March 2023, under the aegis of the CSIR integrated skill initiative. The online training programme was specifically designed for students, researchers, academicians and aspiring popular science writers. Around more than 60 participants attended the programme. 

Dr Nidhi Singh, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-NPL, inaugurated and briefed the online training programme to the audience.

The speaker during the programme included Mr Hasan Jawaid Khan, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR, and Head, Popular Science Division, which brings out three popular science magazines — Science Reporter (English), Vigyan Pragati (Hindi) and Science Ki Duniya (Urdu); two newsletters, apart from popular science books and reports. Mr Khan has been in the field of science communication for the past more than 30 years and has been the Editor of Science Reporter for the past 15 years. He is also the Editor of CSIR News.

Mr Khan delivered his talk on an immensely significant topic “The Role of Science Communication in Combating Misinformation” wherein he cited various examples and discussed the importance of science communication in this era of misinformation, emphasising the need for disseminating accurate information to society. He also mentioned certain fact-checking ways to tackle this issue. Finally, he concluded his talk by stressing the need for collective efforts from everyone to combat the problem of misinformation. 

The other speaker Ms Sonali Nagar, Senior Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR, and Associate Editor of Science Reporter & CSIR News delivered her talk on “Popular Science Writing”. In her talk, she outlined the importance of making complex scientific topics interesting and accessible to a wide audience. Citing several examples, she explained the ways to communicate science to the public in a clear, compelling and authentic manner. She concluded by emphasising the power of science communication to increase public understanding towards science thereby also inculcating scientific temper among citizens. The session was extremely informative. The participants actively participated and enjoyed the training programme.

In concluding remarks, Dr Girija Moona, Principal Scientist, CSIR-NPL, extended heartfelt gratitude to both the eminent speakers for sparing their valuable time and delivering such enlightening talks.