NEWCASTLE-based BeaconHouse Events has been awarded the contract to deliver the 14th World Conference of Science Journalists, which will take place in London in 2027.
The North East-based team beat agencies from around the UK in a competitive tender process to be awarded the contract to design and deliver the prestigious global event. The conference, which takes place biennially, will see hundreds of science journalists come together in London to share best practices with international colleagues and learn from each other.
The World Conference of Science Journalists aims to create an environment to build and strengthen the community of science writers and communicators globally. The event will bring together science journalists, researchers, and media professionals from around the globe to explore the future of science journalism and its impact on global issues. It provides a platform for discussion, collaboration, and idea exchange on the challenges and opportunities facing science journalism in an increasingly complex world.
The World Conference of Science Journalists is a major programme of the World Federation of Science Journalists who award the hosting of the conference to local science journalism organisations. The UK membership body for science journalism, the Association of British Science Writers (ABSW) will host the London event in 2027, their 80th anniversary year.
Winning the contract is a full-circle moment for the agency. Thirteen years ago, the team provided event management support for the 7th World Conference of Science Journalists in Doha, Qatar, overseeing the onsite planning and delivery, following key team members’ involvement in the previous London conference two years earlier. The decision was made to award the 2027 conference after an extensive evaluation process by ABSW’s board, who praised BeaconHouse’s strategic approach, robust experience, innovation and commitment to delivering an exceptional international event, sustainably and inclusively.
Catherine Duhaut, co-founder of BeaconHouse Events said, “Following our experience working to deliver the previous London conference in 2009, we were asked to work alongside WCSJ2011 event host representatives and their team in the run-up to the conference in Qatar to draw up an action plan of key priorities for the final month before the conference. We are thrilled that three of that original team are part of the project to deliver the 2027 event in London.
“Everything that we create at BeaconHouse Events is designed to make space for conversation and connection, so the mission of the World Conference of Science Journalists really resonates with the events that we deliver. This conference is a landmark event for the science journalism sector, and we are excited to build an immersive, collaborative, accessible, and sustainable experience for every delegate. We’re proud to be part of the team welcoming the event back to the UK. WCSJ27 will inspire and cultivate global networks around key topics such as global health, climate change, and water. With a rich scientific and academic history, London is the perfect backdrop for this conference. We can’t wait to begin planning what promises to be an event of global significance discussing the most pressing issues facing our people and planet.”
The conference will be a hybrid event for up to 1000 in-person delegates with 500 more joining remotely. It will bring together partnerships with London’s world-leading research institutes, as well as some of London’s landmark science venues and museums. One day of pre-conference skills-building workshops will take place for those awarded scholarships, followed by three days of main conference sessions including plenary sessions, and four parallel sessions will follow. The final day of the conference will consist of tours and visits to sites of scientific interest around the UK.
Speaking about bringing the event to London, Andy Extance, Chair of the ABSW said, “With over 700 members and a strong track record of organising conferences, the Association of British Science Writers is well equipped to welcome delegates from everywhere to the World Conference of Science Journalists 2027. Likewise, London is a dynamic, globally connected city, with a long scientific history. It offers something for every attendee.”
For more information on BeaconHouse Events visit www.beaconhouse-events.co.uk