The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune has launched a landmark initiative to empower journalists on the frontlines of environmental reporting. The inaugural edition of the VOICE Fellowship, a five-day residential training programme, commenced on December 16, 2025, at the institute's campus.
Art Meets Science in Inaugural Session
The fellowship kicked off with a compelling session titled ‘Drawn to Discovery: Alternative Media Where Art Meets Science’ on Tuesday, December 17. This set the tone for a programme hosted by The CARE Project at IISER Pune, focused on enhancing communication around climate, environment, and public health. The event began with a science exhibition and a panel discussion featuring distinguished experts.
The panel included Assistant Professor Saurja DasGupta from the University of Notre Dame, scientist and Artist-in-Residence at IIT Gandhinagar Argha Manna, Shalini Sharma, Associate Professor at IISER Pune's Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, and journalist Nidhi Jamwal.
Why Scientists Must Communicate Their Work
Professor DasGupta delivered a powerful argument for why scientists have a duty to communicate. He highlighted that basic scientific research is often funded by taxpayers, yet its value isn't always immediately apparent through tangible products. "Science communication is, I think, the best way to directly tell the taxpayer... here’s why the science that they’re funding is important," he stated during the discussion.
He further emphasised that while science journalists play a crucial role, practicing scientists possess unique insights. "Practicing scientists are in the trenches; they know the nuances and they know the boundaries of their research," DasGupta said, stressing that more scientists should actively practice science communication alongside their core research.
Inclusive Reporting Beyond Scientific Jargon
Argha Manna brought a vital perspective on making climate reporting accessible and relevant. He cautioned against being constrained by technical terminology, urging journalists to connect with lived experiences. "If you are asking someone from a Rajasthan village, they do not know the term climate change, but they will just say, we do not have water," Manna explained.
He advocated for grassroots-level reporting, empowering journalists to trust their observations. "If something is happening in your village, report that. Like the ground water. Ground water is going down. You can report that. You really do not need some expert to tell ground water is going down," he added, championing a more inclusive and locally-grounded approach to science journalism.
Professor Sunil S Bhagwat, Director of IISER Pune, underscored the fellowship's significance, stating, "As an institution committed to shaping thought leadership in science and society, IISER Pune sees the VOICE Fellowship as an important step toward strengthening informed public discourse on climate and health."
The fellowship's first cohort comprises over 40 grassroots journalists and storytellers carefully selected from diverse regions across India. The training, running until December 20, will feature further sessions conducted by eminent experts including ecologist Professor Madhav Gadgil, public health specialist Dr Kavindra Khaiwal, and Dr Shraddha Karve, among others.
