Motoko Kakubayashi
The University of Tokyo
Motoko Kakubayashi is the International Officer at the Science Media Centre of Japan, and a press officer at the University of Tokyo Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (Kavli IPMU, WPI). After completing an MSc in Physics from Massey University in her native New Zealand, she trained as a newspaper and radio journalist. After relocating to Japan in 2010, she has held positions at Waseda University, Radio New Zealand, and the Japan Science and Technology Agency to help scientists communicate with the media.
Sessions
Workshop 3: The Cost of Hype: Lessons from Misleading Science Stories
PCST Symposium 2025 Tokyo / Japan SciCom Forum 2025
Power up your science communication skills in this hands-on workshop. Learn to identify what an exaggerated headline looks like, and practice transforming hyped text into accurate, clear writing for a press release. Through interactive exercises and talks, participants will learn about common "hype traps" and what the consequences can be when scientific discoveries are sensationalised. In discussions, there will be a chance to share experiences with misinformation and preserve the public's excitement about research. This workshop is recommended for science communicators who are looking for ways to keep a balance in accuracy but also make an impact in today's media landscape.
Pre-requisites for participants: This workshop involves writing exercises, and it is recommended that participants bring a laptop.