MESHA is a member of the World Federation of Science Journalists (WFSJ) and the International Federation of Science Journalists (IFAJ)

Africa Conference of Science Journalists 2014, Kenya (www.meshakenya.org)

Theme: Taking the Science Agenda to Policy Makers

The Media for Environment, Science, Health and Agriculture in Kenya (MESHA) and Internews in Kenya will hold the second Africa Science Journalists Conference (September 15 to 18, 2014) at the Kenya Marine Research Institute Headquarters in Mombasa.

Objectives of the Conference

To promote greater cohesiveness between journalists and science communities especially science journalists, communicators, donors, scientists and policy makers.

Specific objectives

1. To showcase specific and select scientific ventures in Africa seeking to spur economic and scientific growth.
2. To share with the participants, the gains made in the Health Media Project by Internews in Kenya and her partners.
3. To take stock and consolidate the gains made in the science industry in Africa over the years through illuminating the achievements of select research organizations including a reflection of the media industry’s role in communicating science.
4. To push the science communication agenda higher in the Africa’s political and social systems.
5. To provide a platform where scientists and journalists can network to enhance science reporting and communication in Africa.
6. To promote a better working relationship between journalists and scientists with a common agenda of promoting science

Tangible Products

1. A daily Congress Newsletter
2. Media coverage in the media outlets in the country and beyond
3. A blog post and twitter – www.wfsj.org/mesha
4. Postings on facebook – Mesha Kenya
5. Proceedings Report

Expected Outputs

1. Strong linkages between scientists, researchers, communication experts and journalists with clear and implementable action plan
2. Formation of a think tank forum from researchers, journalists, communicators and industry players in order to give visibility to the work of researchers and journalists reporting agriculture.
3. Strengthened linkages between knowledge sources, brokers and science journalists
4. Shared knowledge about the extent of science and technology reporting in Africa 

Venue and Field trips

The Conference will be held in the scenic city of Mombasa and field trips that have already been identified include;
1. Biotechnology Research: Visit to on confined field trials at Kiboko on transgenic maize
2. Marine research: Visit to Watamu Marine Park
3. Conservation: Visit to Shimba Hills National Park
4. Health: Malaria and HIV research at KEMRI-Wellcome in Kilifi
5. Agriculture: KARI research centre in Kilifi

Registration (Late registration will attract an addition USD 200 on top of the early bird rates)
1. Journalists USD 400 (early bird registration)
2. Communication Officers and scientists USD 600 (early bird registration)
3. Students USD 300

Early bird registration – March 1 to June 30, 2014
Late bird registration – July 1 to August 24, 2014