The National Association of science writers has about 2000 members, even as the field of science journalism has been experiencing a contraction. In her 2025 Nieman lab prediction for journalism, Siri Carpenter suggested that, given the challenges the world faces, it might be time that newsrooms embrace "science as a thread that runs through every beat." Science journalism is the focus of this episode of Stats and Stories, with guests Jeff Mervis and Andrew van Dam.

Jeff Mervis reports on science policy in the United States and worldwide to explain to scientists how government works. He keeps a close eye on the changing fortunes of science across the federal government. He also follows efforts to improve science and math education and the factors that shape the U.S. and global scientific workforce.

Andrew Van Dam writes the Department of Data column each week for The Washington Post. He has covered economics and wrangled data and graphics for The Post and the Wall Street Journal. He got his start at the Idaho Press-Tribune.