معرفی
David M. Secko is a Professor in the Department of Journalism at Concordia University, serving as MA Program Director for Digital Innovation in Journalism Studies. He leads the Concordia Science Journalism Project (CSJP) and the experiential summer school Projected Futures, focusing on the future of science journalism and democratic science-society engagement through experimental storytelling and public deliberation.
His educational background includes:
- Postdoctoral Fellow, W. Maurice Young Centre for Applied Ethics, University of British Columbia
- PhD in Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia
- MJ in Science Journalism, University of British Columbia
- BSc (Hons.) in Life Science, Queen’s University
Dr. Secko's research pioneers experimental science journalism models that bridge journalism, science ethics, and public engagement. His work examines democratic governance of biotechnology through journalist-public-expert interactions, with emphasis on digital innovation in science storytelling, crisis communication (e.g., Ebola coverage), and deliberative democracy frameworks for emerging technologies. He investigates how journalism can hold science accountable while fostering inclusive societal debates.
His 15 most recent publications reveal evolving trends: increasing focus on science journalism futures (2019-2022), crisis reporting ethics (Ebola), and public deliberation on biotechnology governance (2014-2017). Key thematic shifts include moving from molecular biology roots to science communication frameworks, with growing emphasis on digital innovation, educational models for science journalists, and cross-sectoral collaboration in health/environmental crises.
Dr. Secko has received significant recognition for his contributions:
- University Research Award
- Dean’s Award for Excellence
As an advisor, he mentors MA/PhD students through Concordia's MA program in Digital Innovation and Individualized PhD program, supervising research on science journalism futures and public engagement. His SSHRC-funded Communicating Synthetic Biology Project (2017-2021) supports trainee development in experimental science communication. He actively recruits research assistants at all academic levels, emphasizing hands-on experience in his Projected Futures summer school.
The Concordia Science Journalism Project (CSJP), founded by Dr. Secko in 2008, operates as an integrated research-teaching platform including Projected Futures summer school and the Science Journalism Educator network. This ecosystem develops evidence-based tools for science journalists while testing innovative storytelling methods to strengthen public engagement with critical scientific debates.
