SciDev.Net

In a Middle East where war fills the daily headlines, many news editors and television producers tend to put science on the back burner. But in a rapidly developing world — where many Middle Eastern countries continue to suffer from drought, hunger and disease — science offers solutions to many problems.

In this article, Nadia El-Awady reports on a workshop of science journalists from across the region, who met last week in Cairo to discuss the problems they face in their field of work. Participants identified bureaucracy, the lack of an agreed 'scientific language' and poor access to scientific research taking place in the region as just some of the challenges.

The meeting concluded with the creation of a provisional network of Arab science journalists that will aim to provide its members with training, skills and contacts, as well as promote the coverage of scientific issues from a development perspective. The Tunisian Press Syndicate will host the network in its preliminary stages, with members communicating via an online discussion group.

Link to full IslamOnline article