By Noah Nash Hoenyefia, EIB Science Reporter in Ghana II China has been selected to host the 2029 World Conference of Science Journalists (WCSJ) following what organisers described as one of the most competitive bidding processes in the event’s history. The announcement was made at the closing ceremony of the 2025 conference in Pretoria, South Africa, where delegates from around the world gathered for a week of discussions on the future of science reporting.
China’s proposal, presented by the Chinese Society for Science and Technology Journalism, was chosen over a competing bid from Australia. Both teams showcased diverse venues and demonstrated strong capacity to host thousands of science journalists, researchers, and media professionals.
Tough decision after lengthy deliberations
Ben Deighton, President of the World Federation of Science Journalists (WFSJ), announced the outcome of the selection process, describing the meeting as “long, complex, and highly engaged.”
“Our deliberations involved two exceptional bids, and it required over 20 hours for our Annual General Meeting members to reach a consensus,” Deighton said. “It is with great pleasure that I announce that the 2029 World Conference of Science Journalists will be hosted by China.”
He noted that although the federation now has about 10,000 journalists globally, only 34 member organisations were physically present at the AGM, with additional members participating remotely.
Chinese delegation celebrates historic first
The leader of China’s delegation to WCSJ 2025, Ran Duan, described the victory as a “dream come true” for science journalists in the country.
“This is the first time the World Conference of Science Journalists is coming to China, so we’re very happy,” he said. “The bidding process has been like a marathon race, and now we can finally take a break and start another long march.”
He said hosting the conference would give China a platform to highlight the work of its scientists and broaden international partnerships.
“This is our science journalism dream and our Chinese dream — to create a platform that tells the true stories of Chinese scientists and promotes partnerships between China and the world, especially Africa,” he added.
London preparing for 2027
The next edition of the conference will take place in London in 2027. Alex O’Brien, Chair of the Association of British Science Writers (ABSW), said her team was inspired by the high standards set in Pretoria.
“I hope that many of you will join us in London,” she said. “We’ve secured our venue and planned our initial ticket releases, but our main focus is on building global networks.”
O’Brien said the London organisers aim to support journalists from diverse regions through grants, travel support, and visa assistance.
“What we’ve heard throughout this week is that collaboration is essential,” she added. “Regional issues should be told by regional journalists, and we want to help them reach wider audiences.”
Australia praises Africa’s leadership
Although unsuccessful in their bid, the Australian delegation praised the Pretoria event. Carl Smith, Vice President of the Science Journalists Association of Australia, said the conference offered a rich cultural and professional experience.
“This has been such a wonderful event,” he said. “It’s been incredible learning about the culture, traditions, history, and people here in South Africa, and the unique way that science journalism happens in Africa.”
He commended the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for delivering a strong programme of workshops and panel sessions.
“It’s been wonderful to celebrate African science journalism, which is very impressive,” he added.
Local organisers reflect on a high-impact conference
Members of the Pretoria LOC said they were proud of the standard set during the gathering. Serusha Govender, a committee member and contributor to Chatham House and Women in Tech Network, said delegates had applauded the depth and quality of the programme.
“We’ve definitely set a very high standard,” she said. “Delegates have told us they’re impressed not just with the programme but with the quality of the presentations.”
Govender added that the conference broadened diversity by engaging more countries, more indigenous reporters, and a wider range of storytelling perspectives.
“I think we’ve changed the conversation going forward,” she said. “People will expect London to include as many diverse writers and perspectives as possible.”
Momentum for African science journalism
Conference Director Engela Duvenage said the event sparked “transformative conversations” on how science journalism can advance resilience and social justice across Africa.
“Delegates gained tools to elevate African perspectives on areas such as food security and climate equity,” she said, while thanking South Africa’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, the Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa (SDCfA), and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) for their support.
Lynne Smit, Senior Editor at Nature Africa and LOC member, said the event underscored the importance of inclusive storytelling in global science journalism.
“With 199 speakers, WCSJ 2025 has proven indispensable for strengthening African journalism’s global voice,” she said. “It ensures marginalised stories shape international agendas.”
Looking ahead
Organised by the South African Science Journalists’ Association (SASJA) in partnership with SDCfA and the CSIR, the Pretoria conference concludes on 5 December with final plenaries, awards, and a joint call to action for resilient journalism.
As the baton passes to London for 2027 and Beijing for 2029, delegates say the global science journalism community is entering a new era defined by collaboration, diversity, and the elevation of regional voices in global dialogue.
