Bridging Science and Stories That Matter
We started Taskrix Job because too many brilliant scientific discoveries were getting buried in academic journals while sensational headlines about "miracle cures" flooded newsfeeds. Someone needed to connect rigorous research with audiences hungry for real understanding.
How We Got Here
Back in 2019, a marine biologist named Linnea Falk was sitting in a coffee shop in Kaohsiung, frustrated. She'd just spent three years researching coral bleaching patterns in the Taiwan Strait, but when local news covered it, they got half the facts wrong and missed the point entirely.
Around the same time, Dmitri Kovač, a science journalist who'd worked across Eastern Europe, moved to Taiwan and noticed the same gap. Great research was happening at universities and labs across the region, but the public rarely heard about it in ways they could actually use.
They met at a workshop about communicating climate science and realized they could fix this problem together. Not by dumbing down the research, but by training people who could understand the nuance and explain it clearly.
That conversation turned into Taskrix Job. We launched our first program in March 2021 with eight students—half were scientists wanting to write better, half were writers wanting to understand science better. Now we're preparing for our February 2026 cohort.
What Drives Us (Besides Coffee)
Accuracy Without Jargon
We teach people to get the facts right and the story readable. That means spending time with actual scientists and learning to ask questions that uncover what's genuinely important, not just quotable.
Context Matters
A study about air quality data means something different in Taipei than it does in rural Hualien. We train journalists to understand the communities they're writing for and why location changes everything.
Skepticism as a Skill
Press releases from research institutions can be just as misleading as any other marketing copy. We teach students to read past the hype, check the methodology, and figure out what the data actually supports.
Ethics First
Science journalism can shape public health decisions and policy. We spend serious time on the responsibility that comes with that influence—when to publish, when to wait, and how to correct mistakes transparently.
Practical Skills
Theory is fine, but our students learn by doing. That means pitching real stories, working with editors, handling feedback, and building portfolios that actually help them land jobs or freelance gigs.
Diverse Perspectives
Science affects everyone, so science journalism should include voices from different backgrounds. We actively recruit students from various fields and regions across Taiwan to bring fresh angles to the work.
Our Teaching Philosophy
We don't believe in one-size-fits-all courses where everyone watches the same videos and submits the same assignments. Science journalism requires adaptability, so that's how we structure the learning.
Start with Real Projects
From week one, students work on actual story ideas. Not hypotheticals—real pitches they'll develop throughout the program. This keeps the work grounded and helps people see gaps in their knowledge as they go.
Small Group Mentorship
Each cohort breaks into groups of four, working with an experienced science journalist who's currently active in the field. These aren't generic feedback sessions—mentors help students navigate specific challenges based on their story topics.
Build Research Literacy
We spend significant time teaching people how to actually read scientific papers, interpret statistics, and spot methodological problems. It's unglamorous work but essential if you want to write accurately.
Practice Different Formats
Some stories need 3,000 words, others need 300 words and a strong graphic. Students experiment with feature writing, news reporting, explainers, and visual storytelling to figure out what format serves each story best.
Building Real Skills Through Focused Work
Our curriculum reflects what actually matters in science journalism—clear writing, solid research methods, ethical considerations, and the ability to work with both scientists and editors effectively.
Ready to Tell Better Science Stories?
Our next program starts in February 2026. Whether you're a scientist wanting to communicate your work more effectively or a journalist looking to cover science with more confidence, we'd like to hear from you. Applications open in November, and we typically work with 20-25 students per cohort.