Diamond at the World Conference of Science Journalists

This biennial conference offers established and aspiring reporters, writers and science communicators from around the world the chance to debate, network, develop their professional skills and report on the latest advances in science and technology. 

Diamond Light Source is involved in this event in a number of ways.

Official Welcome Reception
Tuesday 30th June @ Central Hall, Westminster

Hosted by the BBC's Material World presenter, Quentin Cooper, this event is sponsored by Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres and lightsources.org - a collaborative website and network of synchrotrons from around the world. Through it's association with lightsources.org, Diamond is supporting this event along with five other synchrotrons: Elettra, Italy; SOLEIL and the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), France; the Synchrotron Radiation Center (SRC), USA; and BESSY, Germany.

Synchrotron News Briefing
Thursday 2nd July @ The French Institute

A range of new breaking stories will be unveiled including one from the Elettra Synchrotron in Italy, which looks at 3D imaging of cells to aid earlier detection of cancer; and one from Dr Mark Sanderson, a scientist using Diamond and SOLEIL, who will be talking about his recently published work on the molecular mechanism of quinolone drugs used to treat patients who, for various reasons (including suffering from conditions like cystic fibrosis), have become resistant to antibiotics.

Oxfordshire Science Facilities Post-conference Visit
Friday 3rd July @ Culham Science Centre, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus & Magdalen College

Oxfordshire has been at the forefront of the UK’s scientific research activity for over 50 years. To illustrate the amazing diversity and significance of Oxfordshire based science facilities, four of them will be welcoming a group of WCSJ delegates for tours, talks and interviews: The Joint European Torus (JET); Central Laser Facility (CLF); ISIS, the UK's neutron and muon source; and Diamond Light Source.

After spending the day hearing about the latest news from these four research facilities, the WCSJ delegates will round off their Oxfordshire visit with a trip to Magdalen College for a special evening event supported by the University of Oxford and hosted by Marcus du Sautoy, Professor of Mathematics, and Charles Simonyi, Professor for the Public Understanding of Science.

Please note that all of the events above are by invitation only. If you would like further information, please contact Sarah Bucknall in the Communications Team. 

For more information about the World Conference of Science Journalists, visit www.wcsj2009.org