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Metcalf Institute

The University of Rhode Island Metcalf Institute advances informed, inclusive public discussions abou metcalfinstitute.org

Metcalf Institute provides education, training and resources to journalists, scientists and science communicators across career stages to engage diverse public audiences in conversations about science and the environment.

06/03/2026

📣 Apply by June 14! If you're a journalist and a member of The Uproot Project based outside of the U.S., check out the Ocean Nexus International Fellowship. Created by Ocean Nexus in collaboration with the Uproot Project, the program seeks to advance transformative changes at the intersection of ocean governance, social justice, and equity. Find the application online: https://ow.ly/Iiay50Z6L31

06/02/2026

The second year of The Open Newsroom kicked off last week, and we're thrilled to have five undergraduates from Rhode Island colleges and universities participating in the 12-week summer fellowship!

The 2026 cohort is made up of Leah Grant from Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI); Joseph Ramos, Hadassah Rigby, and Sidra Tanbakji – all University of Rhode Island students; and Ben Underwood from Brown University.

This paid fellowship supports STEAM undergraduates and is co-organized by Rhode Island EPSCoR's RI-NEST, a program funded through the U.S. National Science Foundation, and Metcalf Institute. Throughout the summer, fellows assume the roles of local journalists to report on science-related topics of their choosing for Rhode Island communities. We can't wait to read the stories they produce!

📣 If you are a Rhode Island-based reporter or editor interested in learning more about partnering with The Open Newsroom this summer, especially if you’d like to mentor a fellow, please reach out!

📰 Learn more about the fellows: https://ow.ly/ZkHH50Z6Jv7

05/28/2026

From Poland to Providence, the next two AWJ fellows we’re spotlighting come from near and far! Nikola Budzińska is a freelance journalist based in Warsaw, Poland, reporting on environmental issues, borderland ecosystems, and human rights across Central and Eastern Europe. Eric Halvarson is a multimedia journalist here in Rhode Island who currently works as the City News Reporter for The Providence Eye. We’re excited to welcome them and all of our fellows in June!

Read more about the fellows on our website: https://ow.ly/VcGt50Z4Oa7

05/27/2026

Save the date! Next up in Metcalf's Annual Lecture Series is the Leeson Lecture on Tuesday, June 23, with Rosanna Xia.

Don't miss this exclusive screening of the award-winning documentary, “Out of Plain Sight,” and a conversation with the filmmaker Rosanna Xia, Los Angeles Times environmental reporter and 2018 alum of our Annual Science Immersion Workshop for Journalists. The film screening will be followed by a conversation with Rosanna and Metcalf Executive Director Fara Warner.

Learn more and register for the free lecture:
https://ow.ly/a3CF50Z4Ise
June 23, 3-5 PM
Corless Auditorium, URI Bay Campus
Special thanks to Ecori News!

05/20/2026

We’re only five weeks out from the Annual Science Immersion Workshop for Journalists! In anticipation of their arrival, we’re counting down to June 21 by highlighting two fellows each week. First up: Issam Ahmed and Elena Varela Bruess!

A “Future of the Planet” correspondent for Agence France-Presse, Issam reports on climate change and environmental coverage across North America. Elena is a writer and reporter based in Houston, Texas, where she covers the environment, climate, and health.

Read more about Issam, Elena, and all the fellows on our website: https://ow.ly/hza850Z0ioE

05/18/2026

If you're interested in learning more about navigating the harms and practical uses of AI in journalism, sign up for a free training happening this Thursday: "Covering the Planet with the Tools That Tax It: AI for Climate, Science and Environmental Journalists." Presented by Metcalf Institute and Solutions Journalism Network, the virtual session is led by Yumi Wilson, a veteran journalist and San Francisco State University professor.

This training is for journalists only, on May 21, 9 AM (PT) / 12 PM (EST). Sign up online: https://ow.ly/k6V050YUAXm

05/08/2026

For anyone feeling anger, depression, or powerlessness during this time of climate crisis and global unrest, climate psychologists Debra Borys and Nikyta Palmisani are hosting "From Moral Injury to Moral Alignment," a 90-minute interactive virtual workshop, offered on two different dates for different time zones.

During the sessions, Debra and Nikyta will describe the impact of "moral injury" and provide accessible tools for coping and moving to "greater moral alignment." This welcoming, supportive program includes grounding exercises, group discussions, and optional private journaling to help clarify one's own key values and impacts from world or workplace events.

Workshops are open to all internationally; fees are $5 to $25 USD donation-based on self-assessed ability to pay.

Sunday, May 17 at 10 AM PT/1 PM ET/6 PM UK/7 PM CET
https://ow.ly/q6oh50YWb6s
Tuesday, May 19 at 7 PM PT / 7:30 AM IST
https://ow.ly/O6yo50YWb6r

05/07/2026

Thank you to everyone who donated during URI's Day of Giving last week – and to everyone who stopped by our table on the Quad during the End of Semester Celebration! It was great connecting with students on campus and sharing Metcalf's mission in our community!

URI Alumni

05/04/2026

Generative AI is now embedded in the workflows of major newsrooms, including the New York Times, Financial Times, and the Associated Press.

Experts predict 2026 will mark the shift from one-off experiments to AI running entire pipelines for investigations, fact-checking and audience engagement. At the same time, data centers already consume about 415 terawatt-hours globally, roughly 1.5 percent of world electricity, and the International Energy Agency projects that figure will double by 2030.

AI is both a tool transforming newsrooms and a story-shaping force in public life. How should journalists approach both with rigor?

Journalists are invited to join us for "Covering the Planet with the Tools That Tax It: AI for Climate, Science and Environmental Journalists," a virtual training featuring Yumi Wilson, presented by Metcalf Institute and Solutions Journalism Network.

Save the date for May 21, 12 PM EST, and sign up online: https://ow.ly/k6V050YUAXm

04/28/2026

Today is URI Day of Giving! Until midnight tonight, any donations made to Metcalf Institute will help support our critical work that brings journalists and scientists together to provide more accurate, accessible coverage of climate and environmental science to communities globally.

We cannot do this work without your generous support. As we make progress toward our $5,000 goal, your donation – no matter the amount – goes toward ensuring that science is communicated with accuracy, intentionality, and accountability. Donating today is more important than ever because if we reach $5,000, that amount will be matched by our Advisory Council!

You can make your gift online using this link any time between now and 11:59 p.m. ET on April 28. Select “RhodyNow: Metcalf Institute” when you make your donation: https://ow.ly/b5Qf50YR2Nr

If you’re on the URI campus today, come say hi to us on the Quad – we’ll be tabling during the End of Semester Celebration!

URI Alumni

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