Science journalist associations from around the world have unanimously endorsed the World Federation of Science Journalists (WFSJ) board, reaffirming its leadership as it prepares for the 13th World Conference of Science Journalists in Pretoria, South Africa, from Dec. 1–5, 2025.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM), held on Nov. 20 at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in Budapest and online, brought together representatives from over 35 associations. Member associations expressed strong support for the board’s actions and provided input for the federation’s future direction.
“This unanimous support is truly inspiring,” said WFSJ president Ben Deighton. “It gives the Board a clear mandate to focus on building a successful World Conference of Science Journalists next year.”
The AGM marked a turning point following a leadership transition earlier this year and the election of four new board members: Agatha Ngotho (Kenya), Debbie Ponchner (Costa Rica), Subhra Priyadarshini (India), and Aleida Rueda (Mexico).
The new members shared their vision for the federation during the meeting, which also featured updates on key initiatives such as a project to develop ethical guidelines for science journalism and an African-led proposal to expand science journalism training across the continent.
Delegates from countries including Argentina, Australia, Benin, Brazil, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, Ivory Coast, Croatia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nepal, Netherlands, the Philippines, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States participated in the AGM.
The WFSJ current Board of Directors are:
- President: Ben Deighton (UK)
- Vice-Presidents: Joseph Mbeng Boum (Cameroon), Chhatra Karki (Nepal)
- Treasurer: Jean-Marc Fleury (Canada)
- Secretary: Lesley Evans Ogden (Canada)
- Directors: Agatha Ngotho (Kenya), Debbie Ponchner (Costa Rica), Subhra Priyadarshini (India), and Aleida Rueda (Mexico)
Founded in 2002 during the 3rd World Conference of Science Journalists in São José dos Campos, Brazil, the WFSJ continues to promote excellence and collaboration in science journalism globally.
