1. Biopolitical Journalism Connie St Louis Director MA in Science Journalism City University London c.stlouis@city.ac.uk

2. Introduction Tackling difficult issues – Genetics and sport – Genetics, sport and race How to improve reporting Human Provenance Pilot Project: an example of good reporting on a difficult biopolitical issue Moving forward – Best practice guidelines – Using new media

3. Genetics and Sport

4. Genetics, Sport and Race

5. Improvements to science reporting

6. Improving science reporting

7. The Human Provenance Pilot Project Theory: using DNA and isotope analysis to distinguish between Somali and Kenyan asylum seekers Launched: September 2009 Caused an outcry within the scientific community, was suspended on 5/10/09 Resumed on 20/11/09 as a ‘proof of concept’ trial Finished: March 2010 Cost: £185,543 UKBA statement June 2011: No review will be published and no data will be released

8. The Human Provenance Pilot Project

10. 1. Look out for authors’ comments on journal webpages 2. Look out for authors’ comments on other newspaper articles 3. Use links to good effect 4. Engage your audience Allow them to comment on your stories Link them to blogs or discussion groups Innovate Using new media to the best advantage

11. Moving Forwards: 10 steps for best practice 1. Do not confuse serious issues 2. Don’t exaggerate the research for a headline story 3. Don’t follow the pack 4. Question the press release, and even the research 5. Don’t just believe what the researchers claim 6. Delve deeper – expand on the research 7. Highlight and discuss other issues raised in your story 8. Be aware of, and try to avoid, genetic determinism 9. Choose the right stories to report on 10. Choose the right angle

12. Recommendations 1. Develop a strategy to engage with reporting both good and bad and reward it. HealthNewsReview.org Reviews of News Stories using Independent Experts Holding Health and Medical Journalism Accountable.

13. Recommendations

14. 2. Champion the cause of journalism at a political level and underscore its importance in a democracy

15. Recommendations 3. Go to NASW/ABSW/ AHCJ annual meetings and engage with science journalists- they are always looking for a good story!