Advancing informed, inclusive public conversations about science and the environment

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Gretchen Ertl

Metcalf Institute fosters informed, inclusive public conversations about environmental issues by conducting science training for journalists, communication training for scientists, and a variety of public programs.

Based in the URI College of Environment and Life Sciences, Metcalf Institute collaborates with academics, state and federal agencies, non-profits, businesses, community representatives and news organizations nationwide to develop customized programs and resources that improve and expand news coverage of environmental topics.

Programs

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Journalist Training

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Scientist Training

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Public Events

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Let’s design a customized, inclusive science communication workshop or training for your organization, workplace, or university.

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2023 Annual report
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Read the seasonal Executive Director’s Report here.

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News

  • Fellowship Spotlight: Metcalf Ocean Nexus Academy (MONA) - This summer, we launched the Metcalf Ocean Nexus Academy (MONA), a new journalism fellowship created by Ocean Nexus and the Metcalf Institute, in collaboration with the Uproot Project. This innovative program supports journalists exploring the deep connections between ocean issues and social justice. The inaugural 2025 MONA workshop was held in person June 30–July 3, […]
  • Looking to Interview Experts On Environmental Topics? Check out SCIP’s New Source Book! - The team behind the SciComm Identities Project (SCIP) has created a source book for journalists covering climate and environmental topics, which provides a more representative range of experts who are also trained science communicators. Included are two dozen SCIP fellows: scientists, professors, and researchers whose work is related to climate change.  Click to download a […]
  • Applications Now Open for Climate Ready Newsroom Fellowship! - Metcalf Institute is pleased to launch the application for the second cohort of our Climate Ready Newsroom fellowship (formerly known as the Climate and Environmental Science Fellowship for Local Journalism), a groundbreaking initiative designed to support local newsrooms in their efforts to report on the science of climate and environmental change. Importantly, this fellowship focuses on local […]