Science is the basis for our understanding of the world. At a time when those principles are under assault, this workshop aims to impart the narrative skills to tell compelling science-based stories.
In this workshop, we focus on the practical and the creative, giving students the tools to read and understand the literature of scientific revelation, and to identify the dramatic possibilities contained within them. We look at the science from a storyteller’s point of view, and we look at stories from a scientist’s point of view.
Join award-winning science writer Mark Schapiro of Berkeley’s Journalism School to learn the “Art of Environmental Science Writing.”
The workshop will be conducted over five sessions, with the emphasis on critical reading, discussion and writing drawn from the environmental sciences — including critiques from the instructor and from fellow classmates.
We consider the similarities and distinctions between journalistic and scientific methodologies used by each to search for the truth. We sharpen your critical eye to see the drama often embedded within technical scientific reports, and the details — locales and characters, of the human and non-human variety — can help bring a science-based story to life. We read some of the great science writers, and discuss what we might learn from them.
Through readings, discussion and writing exercises, students are introduced to the basic narrative building blocks for composing non-fiction writing informed by, and grounded in, the environmental sciences.
Participants who successfully complete the workshop will be “Art of Environmental Science Writing Fellows.” Prospective fellows should submit their applications by Feb 23, 2026.
About Mark Schapiro: Mark Schapiro is an award-winning investigative journalist and author specializing in the environment. His most recent book, Seeds of Resistance: The Fight to Save Our Food Supply, investigates the epic struggle underway to control the seeds of food crops capable of resilience to climate change.
Previous books include The End of Stationarity: Searching for the New Normal in the Age of Carbon Shock, revealing the hidden costs and consequences of climate change; and EXPOSED: the Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Products and What’s at Stake for American Power, investigating the impacts on Americans’ health of the U.S. retreat from toxic chemical protections. His work is published in Harpers, Mother Jones, Yale 360, The Nation, The Atlantic, the Guardian, the Los Angeles Times and other publications; and aired on PBS FRONTLINE/World and on KQED.
He was formerly senior correspondent at the Center for Investigative Reporting (2003-2012), where he conducted major investigations into environmental abuses and crimes. He has been a lecturer at Berkeley Journalism since 2012, teaching environment and climate reporting, with an eye on compelling story-telling.
Eligibility
UC Berkeley upper-division undergraduate students who are studying science and/or journalism. Students must commit to participating in the entire workshop, including attending all sessions and completing the assignments.
Where and When
This 5-session workshop meets in room 127 (Rodriguez Room) of the Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism on selected Fridays in March and April 2026 (March 6, March 13, March 20, April 3, April 10) from 2 pm to 5:00 pm (with break).
Deadline
February 23, 2026, 11:59 pm
Application Materials
Complete your “Art of Environmental Science Writing workshop” application on the Submittable website.
Please note that you need to create a Submittable account to access the application. For technical assistance, please visit submittable.com/contact.
For inquiries about the workshop, please contact Art of Writing at janeliaw@berkeley.edu.