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Metcalf Institute
@metcalfuri.bsky.social
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Bringing science to the conversation since 1998 via training for journalists, researchers, & other science communicators. #InclusiveSciComm
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metcalfuri.bsky.social
In case you missed last month's fall lecture, "Equity on the Table: A Conversation about Public Health, Food Access, and Climate Change," you can watch the full panel on our YouTube channel!
📸: Therese Iacono
www.youtube.com/live/vD3Nmwx...
Metcalf Executive Director Fara Warner (left) pictured with Emory University’s Dr. Christine Ekenga (speaking) and Cornell University’s Dr. Roger Figueroa Cornell University’s Dr. Roger Figueroa (speaking) pictured with the Equity on the Table panel at URI University of Rhode Island’s Dr. Ambarish Karmalkar (speaking) with fellow panelists at the Equity on the Table conversation Executive Director Fara Warner moderated "Equity on the Table: A Conversation about Public Health, Food Access, and Climate Change" with three fellows from the SciComm Identities Project (SCIP): Christine Ekenga, Roger Figueroa, and Ambarish Karmalkar.
November 18, 2025 at 5:11 PM
metcalfuri.bsky.social
This final Climate Ready Newsrooms spotlight features 3 organizations close to home: Beacon Media, @ctmirror.org (@ericaephillips.bsky.social), and @thepvdeye.bsky.social! We’re excited to work with all 10 newsrooms over the next several months! Learn more online: ow.ly/Q9jZ50Xj5eR
Beacon Media Headshot of Publisher Joy Fox Beacon Media generates trustworthy journalism and compelling local storytelling that shines a light on the daily lives, aspirations, and issues of importance to communities in central Rhode Island – all while innovating the mediums through which they connect, engage, and serve audiences. The Connecticut Mirror Headshots of John Moritz, Energy/Environmental Reporter, and Erica E. Phillips, State Policy Editor The Connecticut Mirror is a nonprofit, non-partisan, and digital-only newsroom that is the state's trusted source for in-depth news and reporting, covering a range of public policy topics. The Providence Eye Headshot of Reporter Emily Smith (Not pictured: Debbie Schimberg, Founder, Publisher, and Managing Editor) The Providence Eye is a nonprofit journalistic initiative devoted to informing and empowering the public about events and issues of concern to residents and visitors of Providence, RI, and environs, with an aim of engaging the Providence community in civic life.
October 29, 2025 at 3:04 PM
metcalfuri.bsky.social
This week we’re highlighting three Massachusetts-based organizations in the new Climate Ready Newsroom cohort: @dailyhampgazette.bsky.social, @newbedfordlight.bsky.social, and @wbztv.bsky.social!
@terrywbz.bsky.social @brookekushwaha.bsky.social
web.uri.edu/metcalf/loca...
Daily Hampshire Gazette Headshots of Reporter Emilee Klein and Managing Editor Chad Cain Based in Northampton, MA, the Daily Hampshire Gazette covers 20 cities and towns in Hampshire County and reports on news of significance in western Massachusetts in print and online. The New Bedford Light Headshots of Reporter Brooke Kushwaha and Executive Editor Karen Bordeleau The New Bedford Light is a free, nonprofit, nonpartisan digital news outlet in New Bedford, Massachusetts dedicated to community-based coverage of important local issues. WBZ-TV | CBS Boston Headshots of Meteorologist/Environmental Reporter Jacob Wycoff and Executive Producer for Weather Terry Eliasen The WBZ-TV newsroom has been telling New England’s stories since 1948, when WBZ became the region’s first television station, delivering trusted coverage on-air and online every day.
October 23, 2025 at 8:57 PM
metcalfuri.bsky.social
Don’t miss our Fall Lecture TOMORROW, October 23! RSVP for the free, open-to-the-public panel on public health, food access, and climate change at URI’s Kingston campus, featuring 3 experts, including climate scientist and URI professor @ambarish.bsky.social!
web.uri.edu/metcalf/2025...
Event details: Equity on the Table: A conversation about public health, food access, and climate change. October 23, 5 PM Headshot of Dr. Ambarish Karmalkar, University of Rhode Island, and a quote he shares about the panel: "As a physical climate scientist, I can run models and generate data on how the climate is changing, but it's conversations like these that really help turn that science into something useful for addressing real-world challenges."
October 22, 2025 at 2:25 PM
metcalfuri.bsky.social
For #WorldFoodDay today, Metcalf Institute is gearing up for our Fall Lecture next Thursday — Equity on the Table: A Conversation about Public Health, Food Access, and Climate Change! We checked in with panelist @rogerfigphd.bsky.social of @cornelluniversity.bsky.social
www.uri.edu/news/2025/10...
Event details: Equity on the Table: A conversation about public health, food access, and climate change. October 23, 5 PM Headshot of Dr. Roger Figueroa, Cornell University and a quote he shares about the panel: "I look forward to engaging in a rich conversation about equity considerations at the intersection of climate change, food security, and public health. We are at a critical point in time where we must bridge diverse perspectives to act in the depths of these intersecting issues."
October 16, 2025 at 3:07 PM
metcalfuri.bsky.social
Next up in our Climate Ready Newsroom spotlight: @nhpr.org (Kate Dario and @tischrissyp.bsky.social) and Vermont Community Newspaper Group (Tommy Gardner)! We're excited to work with 10 New England newsrooms on their climate-ready goals!
web.uri.edu/metcalf/loca...
Headshots of General Assignment Reporter Kate Dario and Senior News Editor Christina Phillips "NHPR is New Hampshire’s only statewide radio news service and NPR station, and strives to create work that helps people across the state live more informed and engaged lives." Headshot of Editor in Chief Tommy Gardner "The Vermont Community Newspaper Group is based in Stowe, Vermont, and publishes five community weeklies. Though print-forward, the six-person team is nimble enough to get in front of breaking, online-first stories."
October 14, 2025 at 3:24 PM
metcalfuri.bsky.social
Our Fall Lecture 2 weeks away! We’re excited to bring a panel of 3 scientists in seemingly disconnected fields to illuminate the intersection of climate change, public health, and food equity. Today we’re spotlighting Christine Ekenga of @emoryuniversity.bsky.social
web.uri.edu/metcalf/2025...
Event details: Equity on the Table: A conversation about public health, food access, and climate change. October 23, 5 PM Headshot of Dr. Christine Ekenga, Emory University and a quote she shares about the panel: “I look forward to sharing practical, community-centered strategies that build capacity and equip residents with the tools, knowledge, and connections to improve health.”
October 10, 2025 at 3:40 PM
metcalfuri.bsky.social
Our team is excited to get started working with 10 New England newsrooms to coach them on their science and environmental journalism goals! Among this cohort of Climate Ready Newsrooms are two in Maine: @weru-fm.bsky.social and West End News🎙️📰🌎
@amyfrommaine.bsky.social
web.uri.edu/metcalf/loca...
Headshots of WERU Community Radio 89.9 point people: Wilson Haims, Manager of Community Engagement and Resilience, and Amy Browne, News & Public Affairs Manager WERU Community Radio is a volunteer-powered community radio station located in Blue Hill, Maine. With over 125 contributors currently on the air, WERU prides itself in being “a voice of many voices.” Headshots of West End News point people: Anthony Zeli, Publisher - Editor, and Nancy English, Freelance Reporter The West End News (WEN) is a community newspaper published monthly in Portland and surrounding communities in southern Maine. WEN seeks to be a be a trustworthy news source and to strengthen community connection.
October 7, 2025 at 3:25 PM
metcalfuri.bsky.social
If you're a Rhode Island writer with a passion for science and the outdoors, this event is for you! The URI Department of Public and Professional Writing and @dwell-lab.bsky.social are hosting a local Write Out Oct. 16 & 17, 8 AM-5 PM, at North Woods! #uri #writeout
web.uri.edu/dwell/write-...
A photo of a person writing in a journal in the woods. Heading text: Write Out: Awaken the Senses in the North Woods Smaller text: October 16 & 17, 8am-5pm Rain dates: October 20 & 21 Join the URI Department of Public and Professional Writing and DWELL Lab for a day of writing and connection outside at North Woods Teaching Forest!
September 30, 2025 at 1:35 PM
metcalfuri.bsky.social
Congratulations to the 10 New England newsrooms chosen for the second cohort of Metcalf Institute’s Climate Ready Newsrooms fellowship! We're excited to help them work toward their climate journalism goals! #ClimateWeek
A blue graphic with the text Climate Ready Newsrooms, showcasing the logos of the following newsrooms chosen for the cohort: Beacon Media Connecticut Mirror Daily Hampshire Gazette The New Bedford Light New Hampshire Public Radio The Providence Eye Vermont Community Newspaper Group WBZ | CBS Boston Community Radio WERU 89.9 FM The West End News
September 25, 2025 at 3:57 PM
metcalfuri.bsky.social
Solutions journalism is often rooted in optimism, but how do you tell hopeful stories without glossing over challenges? We’re offering a training with @soljourno.bsky.social on covering marine carbon dioxide removal with @davidho.bsky.social and Jaime Palter Oct. 7!
uri-edu.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
A graphic with photos of Jaime Palter (University of Rhode Island) and David Ho (University of Hawai'i at Manoa) Balancing Hope with Hurdles: How to Cover Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal October 7, 2025, 1 PM (EST) The Metcalf Institute and Solutions Journalism Network present a virtual, moderated training and Q&A to support journalists interested in telling nuanced stories on both the potential and obstacles of ocean-based climate solutions. Solutions Journalism Network Metcalf Institute
September 18, 2025 at 3:01 PM
metcalfuri.bsky.social
It’s not too late to sign up! If you’re attending #ONA2025, grab a spot for Metcalf Institute’s workshop: Is Your News Organization Climate-Ready? This hands-on session helps newsrooms map out a plan for covering the climate crisis. @journalists.org
📆 Sept. 13. 10 AM - 1 PM
tally.so/r/3N9BeN
Is Your News Organization Climate-Ready? ONA 25: New Orleans, September 10-13. Sign up online for Metcalf's Saturday workshop! Sept. 13, 10 AM-1 PM CDT
September 9, 2025 at 3:41 PM
metcalfuri.bsky.social
We’re looking forward to connecting with our network at #ONA25 September 10-13! Don’t miss sessions with Metcalf staff – see the schedule for details on our Taking Care panel and Attribution Science workshop next Thursday and Friday! @journalists.org
ow.ly/zefN50WPASJ
Graphic with text and headshots of speakers: Join us at ONA 2025! Taking Care: Facing the Mental Health Challenges of Covering Climate Change Sept. 11, 2:30-3:30 PM (CDT) Fara Warner, Metcalf Institute Yessenia Funes, Atmos Magazine Laura Hackett, Blue Ridge Public Radio Rebecca Weston, Climate Psychology Alliance of North America Graphic with text and headshots of speakers: Join us at ONA 2025! Attribution Science: Communicating the Link Between Extreme Weather and Climate Change Sept. 12, 12-1 PM (CDT) Ethan Brown, Metcalf Institute Tom Di Liberto, Climate Central Sönke Dangendorf, Tulane University
September 3, 2025 at 3:11 PM
metcalfuri.bsky.social
If you’re attending the Online News Association's annual conference in New Orleans, sign up for Metcalf Institute’s workshop – Is Your News Organization Climate-Ready? – on Saturday, September 13 (10 AM–2 PM CDT)! #ONA2025 @journalists.org
tally.so/r/3N9BeN
Colorful green and purple graphic with the text: Is Your News Organization Climate-Ready? ONA 25: New Orleans, September 10-13. Sign up online for Metcalf's Saturday workshop! Sept. 13, 10 AM-2 PM CDT
August 27, 2025 at 5:27 PM
metcalfuri.bsky.social
Congrats to Metcalf alum, @mstarling.bsky.social, whose story for @deseret.com.web.brid.gy, “Consider the Condor,” won second place in the @spj-posts.bsky.social 2025 Top of the Rockies excellence in journalism awards for feature writing!
📰: www.deseret.com/magazine/202...
📸: The Peregrine Fund
A photo of Marlowe and an aerial view of two soaring condors accompanies a quote from Marlowe about reporting on this story: “As with most wildlife conservation stories, ‘Consider the Condor’ was as much about people as it was about endangered raptors. I was surprised to learn that lead is still the leading cause of condor deaths in the U.S. – even after decades of campaigns to convince shooters to use alternatives. My primary mission with this magazine feature was to reach Deseret Magazine's audience of West-based readers, many of whom are hunters, ranchers, and shooters themselves. Including those perspectives while telling the story of this species' scrape with extinction was important for establishing trust while having the largest possible impact on my audience.”
August 21, 2025 at 2:34 PM
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This summer, Metcalf partnered with RI NSF EPSCoR to launch a new undergraduate fellowship, The Open Newsroom. Join us Monday, August 18, 5-7 PM at the Providence Public Library for a culminating showcase of students’ work!
web.uri.edu/rinsfepscor/...
Open Newsroom students (left to right): Dylan Brenner, Sara Homma, and Jezell Green
August 12, 2025 at 2:12 PM
metcalfuri.bsky.social
Deadline extended! New England newsrooms now have until Tuesday, August 19 to apply for Metcalf Institute's second cohort of the Climate Ready Newsrooms fellowship! 📰🌎

Learn more and apply online:
web.uri.edu/metcalf/loca...
Graphic with Climate Ready Newsrooms logo in blue with a globe and photos of newsrooms. Text: Applications are now open! The Metcalf Institute's Climate Ready Newsrooms fellowship is designed to support New England newsrooms in their efforts to report on the science of climate and environmental change through virtual and in-person coaching and training. Begins Fall 2025, up to 10 newsrooms chosen, $1,000 stipend, deadline is now August 19!
August 6, 2025 at 1:16 PM
metcalfuri.bsky.social
Calling all Metcalf alumni: we want to share your news and celebrate your accomplishments! Fill out this handy form (as many times as you'd like!) to tell us what’s new in your world, from new jobs to impactful projects.
✍️ form.asana.com?k=j6tAPErgXQ...
A grid of photos features scientists and journalists working together at an oyster hatchery, small farms, and in the field planting trees, along with journalists working in the classroom and on the road for assignments and workshops. Text in the center reads: Metcalf Alumni: We want to hear from you! Share your articles, news, and career updates by filling out our new form.
July 31, 2025 at 2:33 PM
metcalfuri.bsky.social
Congrats Metcalf alum Ayurella Horn-Muller! Her book, Devoured: The Extraordinary Story of Kudzu, the Vine That Ate the South, received a James A. Duke Excellence in Botanical Literature Awards honorable mention from the American Botanical Council @lsupress.bsky.social
lsupress.org/978080718239...
A photo of Ayurella and her book, Devoured, with the quote: "Metcalf's fellowship gave me the tools I needed to bolster my research for the book, which required a thorough understanding of the world of scientific research and academia as I dug into questions like: How much land is covered by kudzu in the U.S.? How much money has been invested in mitigating it? And when it comes to tracking the growth, economic impact, and management of invasive species, who is responsible for what? The impact of this fellowship on my book development process, and broader climate journalism career, is difficult to overstate.”
July 29, 2025 at 5:19 PM
metcalfuri.bsky.social
Beginning this fall, the second cohort of the Metcalf Institute's Climate Ready Newsrooms fellowship aims to prepare local newsrooms – not just individuals – to report on the science of climate and environmental change!
Apply by August 15 ➡️ web.uri.edu/metcalf/loca...
A graphic describing Metcalf Institute's Climate Ready Newsrooms fellowship, which begins Fall 2025, with up to 10 New England newsrooms chosen. The fellowship includes a $1,000 stipend, and the deadline is August 15.
July 22, 2025 at 4:33 PM
metcalfuri.bsky.social
After federal agencies skipped standard testing for toxic metals in the soil of burned homes following the Eaton and Palisades wildfires, Metcalf alum and @latimes.com reporter Tony Briscoe led a team to collect soil samples and report on the alarming findings.
🎙️: www.youtube.com/watch?v=omXa...
Los Angeles Times reporter and Metcalf alum Tony Briscoe shares, “I can't say enough about how Metcalf Institute helped mold me into a better environmental journalist. The program helped me break down and decipher dense, scientific studies and technical reports. And that's exactly what we needed with our soil testing story. We scoured the methodologies of other government-led soil testing efforts in California and used these as templates to craft our own sampling initiative.”
July 18, 2025 at 3:26 PM
metcalfuri.bsky.social
If you're a climate journalist and feeling overwhelmed, tune in TOMORROW, July 15, for the free virtual C.A.R.E.S. Climate and Mental Health Training. This collab between Metcalf and @soljourno.bsky.social features speakers @yessfun.com and Rebecca Weston.
Sign up: uri-edu.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
July 14, 2025 at 3:00 PM
metcalfuri.bsky.social
In this week’s alumni spotlight: Ashley Miznazi! Ashley was part of our 2025 AWJ fellowship, which focused on food systems. Motivated by a science immersion here in RI, she checked in with lychee growers in South Florida for @miamiherald.com
www.miamiherald.com/news/local/e...
📸: Ashley Miznazi
A photo of Ashley Miznazi, AWJ 2025 Alum, and of a farmer harvesting lychee fruit. A quote from Ashley explains how the Metcalf fellowship inspired a story she pursued for the Miami Herald: "During the Metcalf Fellowship we visited Newport Vineyards and heard how sensitive the grapes were to weather changes from the owner and vineyard manager, Paul Nunes. It's what gave me the idea to ask farmers how the lychee, which are more relevant to [South Florida] than grapes, were doing. I learned grapes and lychees actually share something in common: they both produce fruits with a branched cluster of flowers that bloom in a pyramid shape.”
July 10, 2025 at 2:36 PM
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With the help of Ocean Nexus researchers and the Metcalf team, last week MONA fellows @mjoel17.bsky.social, @rachelreports.bsky.social, and Eva Tesfaye identified new stories to pursue with science translation training and expanded content knowledge on ocean equity!
@uprootproject.bsky.social
Participants listen to researchers present on their work during a science translation training session with Metcalf Institute and Ocean Nexus last Wednesday MONA fellows (front to back): Luis Joel Méndez González, Rachel Ramirez, and Eva Tesfaye Ocean Nexus Director Yoshi Ota (right) and Deputy Director Wilf Swartz MONA fellows (left to right) Eva Tesfaye and Rachel Ramirez
July 8, 2025 at 3:09 PM
metcalfuri.bsky.social
We're teaming up with @soljourno.bsky.social to offer the C.A.R.E.S. Climate and Mental Health Training July 15, exploring what happens inside our bodies when we’re exposed to bad news and strategies for climate journalists, with @yessfun.com and Rebecca Weston. Sign up online!
ow.ly/Bat850WkAlH
July 7, 2025 at 12:50 PM