ScienceWriters2025 conference loses Pittsburgh as host after Pitt and CMU withdraw support

The ScienceWriters2025 conference will no longer be held in Pittsburgh after Pitt and Carnegie Mellon University backed out of their previous commitment to hosting it due to research funding concerns and “fiscal prudence.”

The annual conference, hosted by the National Association of Science Writers and the Council for the Advancement of Science Writing in the fall, aims to serve science writing professions and professionals who produce science news and public information. The conference typically hosts up to 1,000 individuals — including students, educators, journalists and authors — each year.

A joint statement from NASW and CASW said Pitt and its partners at Carnegie Mellon University committed to hosting the 2025 conference on Nov. 6, 2024 by paying a hosting fee and providing logistical and financial support. On Feb. 12, both universities informed CASW that they were withdrawing their commitment. The joint statement did not elaborate on why the universities withdrew their commitment.

“Despite our efforts, subsequent discussions have not led to a resolution,” the NASW and CASW statement said. 

University spokesperson Jared Stonesifer said Pitt was no longer in the position to co-host due to “recognizing the changing circumstances and need for fiscal prudence.” According to Stonesifer, Pitt is working on providing a smooth transition for the conference organizers. 

On Jan. 27, the Trump administration froze and proposed major cuts to NIH funding, which would cap indirect research costs at 15%, affecting universities nationwide. Pitt stands to potentially lose $183 million annually if the proposed funding cuts are enacted. 

Carnegie Mellon University credited the federal government’s cuts to research funding as the reason why it backed out of hosting the conference. The potential NIH funding cut would cause CMU to lose $8.5 million annually. 

“While we looked forward to helping facilitate this worthwhile event, given the current climate and uncertainties ahead, we could not commit to providing the support necessary for an event of this magnitude,” the statement said. “We regret that circumstances forced this decision as we hoped to host the writers doing the vital work of spreading the word about life-changing research from our campuses and elsewhere.”

NASW and CASW said they are still committed to organizing the event, even with hosting difficulties and issues nationwide due to the current political climate. As of March 24, NASW and CASW have not found a new location to host the conference. 

“This year, more than ever, providing an opportunity for the professional science writing community to convene, network, learn, and support each other is critical,” the joint statement said. “To that end, we are actively seeking new venues, sponsors, and partners.”

The NASW and CASW are still seeking session proposals on the conference website. The date and location for this year’s ScienceWriters conference remain undetermined.