Speaker & Producer Biographies

Tanya Wood, Deputy Director of Communications for King’s College London

Tanya Wood is a PR and communications professional with over 15 years’ experience in the higher education sector. Currently Deputy Director of Communications for King’s College London, Tanya leads external communications for the university, including media and PR, social media and crisis and issues management. In recent years, the team have been recognised with a number of industry awards including the Times Higher Education Award for Outstanding Communications Team of the Year, the CIPR (Chartered Institute of Public Relations Award) Excellence Award for Best COVID response: In House, the MJA (Medical Journalists’Association) Award for Excellence in PR and the Guardian University Award for
Best Communications Campaign.

Robin Bisson, Senior Reporter, Research Professional News

Robin is a senior reporter at Research Professional News, covering the UK and Europe. He won the ABSW news item of the year award in 2022 for his reporting on damaging cuts to research programmes funded by UK international aid. Before joining Research Professional News, Robin worked for King’s College London and Science Media Centres in the UK and abroad. He has written for The Guardian, The Independent and Cosmos Magazine and has degrees in mathematics and philosophy of science.

Grace Browne, Staff Writer, WIRED

Grace Browne is a staff writer at WIRED, where she covers health. Prior to working at WIRED, her reporting appeared in New Scientist, BBC Future, Undark, OneZero, and Hakai. For her work, she was shortlisted for Health Journalist of the Year at The Press Awards 2022 and for Best Specialist Writer at the British Society of Magazine Editors Talent Awards 2023. 

Rosa Furneaux, Investigative Journalist, The Bureau of Investigative Journalism

Rosa Furneaux is an investigative reporter based in London. She reports on global health at the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, with particular focus on access to healthcare. She received the Amnesty International Gaby Rado Award for New Journalist for her coverage of Covid-19 vaccine inequity, and was named the Association of British Science Writers’ Newcomer of the Year 2022. Her work has been published in national and international outlets, and she has reported from Europe, North America, South America, Africa, and the Middle East. She was previously based in San Francisco, California.

Nick Petrić Howe, Senior Multimedia Editor, Nature

Nick Petrić Howe has been a professional multimedia journalist since 2019, when he joined Nature. At Nature, Nick works primarily on their flagship Nature Podcast and creates videos for the Nature Video Channel. In the past four years Nick has gained recognition with several award wins for his work on the podcast and was shortlisted as Newcomer of the Year by the ABSW in 2020. Previously, Nick did his PhD at the University of Birmingham on bees, during which time he gained experience of podcasting and radio production to communicate his research and that of his peers

Joshua Howgego, Features Editor, New Scientist

Joshua Howgego is a features editor at New Scientist covering physical sciences, the environment and archaeology. He has a PhD in chemistry from the University of Bristol and an MSc in science communication from Imperial College London. Joshua previously worked as a deputy editor at SciDev.net, a media website that covers the intersection of science and global development. During his time at university, Joshua was shortlisted in The Guardian’s student media awards for feature writer of the year.

Anna Lombardi, Senior Data and Graphics Journalist, The Times and Sunday Times

Anna Lombardi is a senior data and graphics journalist at The Times and The Sunday Times in London, specialising in visual journalism and finding stories in data. She holds a PhD in experimental physics from the University of Lyon (France) and an MSc in science communication from the International School for Advanced Studies in Trieste (Italy). Anna previously worked as a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Cambridge, working across the domains of nano-optics, spectroscopy and plasmonics. Her move into the news industry has reconciled her love for data and scientific thinking with her creativity and passion for social causes.

Emma Wilkinson, Freelance Journalist specialising in medicine and health, Co-Founder 'Freelancing for Journalists' (Book, Podcast and Community).

Emma Wilkinson is an experienced and award-winning freelance journalist writing about health, medicine and biosciences for a variety of publications including the BMJ, Pulse, Pharmaceutical Journal and The Lancet. She is also co-founder of Freelancing for Journalists, an organisation providing a variety of resources to support those working for themselves. Emma is vice-chair of the Medical Journalists’ Association and an associate lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University.

Kevin McConway, Emeritus Professor of Applied Statistics, Open University

Kevin McConway is Emeritus Professor of Applied Statistics at the Open University. He has a long-standing involvement in the use of statistics in the media. He has worked since 2011 with the Science Media Centre, where he is now a trustee and member of the advisory committee. He continues to be involved, through the SMC and elsewhere, in helping journalists interpret statistical research findings, luckily (for him) now at a less frenetic pace than during the pandemic. Kevin was the main academic adviser on the BBC Radio 4 series More or Less (an Open University co-production) from 1995 to 2016, and his publication list includes The Big Issue and New Scientist as well as more conventional academic journals. He has helped train journalists in the use and reporting of statistics, for example in events organised by ABSW, the Centre for Investigative Journalism, and City University.

Kevin retired from his full-time Open University position in 2016, having worked there since 1980. During that time he took part in teaching and research projects in ecology, biology, health, business, economics and music as well as directly in statistics. He is originally from rural Northumberland, studied at Cambridge, UCL and the Open University, and previously worked at Westfield College, London and in local government in north-east England.

John Crowley, Editor, Trainer and Consultant

John Crowley is an editor, trainer and consultant with 25 years of journalistic experience managing newsrooms and budgets across a variety of titles.

Katy Georgiou, Psychotherapist, Journalist, Author & creator and host of Sound Affects Podcast exploring music and mental health 

Katy (Katerina) Georgiou is a practising UKCP Gestalt psychotherapist in GP surgery and private practice, and author of How to Understand and Deal with Stress and Your Mind Matters: How to Talk about your Mental Health, both published by Summersdale. She is a freelance writer and the creator of Sound Affects Podcast, exploring all intersections of music and mental health, which was featured in NME and Therapy Today. She works with a range of issues including burnout of journalists experiencing vicarious trauma, and professionals within freelance, creative and performing arts fields. She spent many years as a freelance journalist for national newspapers and magazines, and prior to this worked as a production editor within STEM journal and textbook publishing. She also spent 4 years as a Samaritans helpline listener.

www.kgcounsellor.com

Dhruti Shah, Journalist and Author

Dhruti Shah is a multi-award-winning journalist and author. Currently a freelance creative practitioner, her work encompasses relational dynamics coaching, storytelling consultancy, open-source investigations, training, and public speaking. She honed her craft during 14 years at the BBC and has by-lines in The Guardian, The New Arab, World of Topia and The New Humanitarian. She's the author of the illustrated award-winning financial literacy guide Bear Markets and Beyond: A Bestiary of Business Terms. She is an advisor for the Museum of Colour, a Clore cultural leader and a Board trustee for the John Schofield Trust charity. She is a John Schofield Trust Senior Fellow, a Rotary International Peace Fellow and an Ochberg Fellow at the Dart Centre for Journalism and Trauma. She is also the first recipient of the University of Kent's Centre for Journalism honorary journalism practitioner fellowship. She has received scholarships from the International News Media Association, Hoopla Impro, and the Association of British Science Writers. She is also an IEP peace ambassador. She is also a published poet and short story writer. She is the host of the Have You Thought About podcast and has appeared on international radio, while her portfolio is www.dhrutishah.com

Anne Marie Conlon, Chief Editor, Audience and Engagement, Nature magazine

Anne Marie joined Nature in September 2021. She previously spent 4 years at New Scientist where she worked as the Deputy Digital Editor. Before that she held roles at The Guardian, The Independent and Hot Press magazine in Dublin. She has a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. 

Alice Mason, Social Media Producer, The Conversation

Alice currently works at The Conversation as Social Media Producer where her current role focuses on forming strategies around audience development, social media, newsletters, podcasts and data. She also has a 1st in Drama and Creative Writing B.A from Royal Holloway, University of London. 

Alexander McNamara, Editor-in-Chief, Live Science

Alexander McNamara is the Editor-in-Chief at Live Science, and has more than 15 years’ experience in publishing at digital titles. More than half of this time has been dedicated to bringing the wonders of science and technology to a wider audience through editor roles at New Scientist and BBC Science Focus, developing new podcasts, newsletters and ground-breaking features along the way. Prior to this, he covered a diverse spectrum of content, ranging from women’s lifestyle, travel, sport and politics, at Hearst and Microsoft. He holds a degree in economics from the University of Sheffield, and before embarking in a career in journalism had a brief stint as an English teacher in the Czech Republic. In his spare time, you can find him with his head buried in the latest science books or tinkering with cool gadgets.

Priya Joi, Science Journalist and Author

Priya Joi is a freelance science writer based in Barcelona, with a career spanning 20 years, and has worked for organisations including the World Health Organization, The Lancet and New Scientist. She reported on the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, the COVID-19 pandemic, and has reported on global health from around the world including India, China, Brazil, and Thailand. She freelances for The Guardian, BBC, Nature, Gavi and the BMJ. 
 
Over the past decade, Priya has trained scientists in how to write with clarity in organisations such as Médecins Sans Frontières and the World Health Organization, and has also trained journalists in how to be successful freelancers; she is launching a course on how to thrive as a freelance writer in late 2023.
 
She has worked to shine a light on issues of race, sexism and discrimination her entire career, and has spoken on diversity and representation at science conferences in Edinburgh and Cheltenham. In March 2023, Priya published her first book M(other)land, a memoir on parenthood, race and identity

Dhruti Shah, Journalist and Author 

Dhruti Shah is a multi-award-winning journalist and author. Currently a freelance creative practitioner, her work encompasses relational dynamics coaching, storytelling consultancy, open-source investigations, training, and public speaking. She honed her craft during 14 years at the BBC and has by-lines in The Guardian, The New Arab, World of Topia and The New Humanitarian. She's the author of the illustrated award-winning financial literacy guide Bear Markets and Beyond: A Bestiary of Business Terms. She is an advisor for the Museum of Colour, a Clore cultural leader and a Board trustee for the John Schofield Trust charity. She is a John Schofield Trust Senior Fellow, a Rotary International Peace Fellow and an Ochberg Fellow at the Dart Centre for Journalism and Trauma. She is also the first recipient of the University of Kent's Centre for Journalism honorary journalism practitioner fellowship. She has received scholarships from the International News Media Association, Hoopla Impro, and the Association of British Science Writers. She is also an IEP peace ambassador. She is also a published poet and short story writer. She is the host of the Have You Thought About podcast and has appeared on international radio, while her portfolio is www.dhrutishah.com

Shivani Dave, Journalist, Broadcaster and Physicist

Shivani Dave (they/them) is a journalist, broadcaster, and physicist. Shivani specializes in busting myths around science and misconceptions by regularly discussing these topics on TV, radio, and TikTok. They are currently working with the Institute of Physics to bring science to younger generations and help people find the ways their everyday passions and fascinations are connected to an understanding of science. They produced and presented the Guardian's Science Weekly podcast. Shivani has also written for the BBC, Thomson Reuters Foundation, Stylist, and more. They can be found in the basements of LGBTQ+ bars performing their Drag King act under the name Dishi Sumac.

Anne Marie Conlon, Chief Editor, Audience and Engagement, Nature magazine

Anne Marie joined Nature in September 2021. She previously spent 4 years at New Scientist where she worked as the Deputy Digital Editor. Before that she held roles at The Guardian, The Independent and Hot Press magazine in Dublin. She has a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. 

David Stock Senior Video Producer, New Scientist

David Stock is the head of editorial video for New Scientist, instrumental in delivering world-class science video content for audiences across the brand, including building a huge TikTok and YouTube following.  Previously, David held the role of digital visuals editor and photo editor for New Scientist, and prior to that worked as a visual editor for the Brighton Argus. David has a BA in Communications and Sociology from Goldsmiths College, University of London.

Flora Graham, Senior Editor, Nature Briefing

Flora Graham writes the Nature Briefing, an ambitious daily newsletter that rounds up the day's must-read science news — and hidden gems — from Nature and beyond. Nature Briefing reaches over 2 million readers and is available in Arabic and Chinese editions. Flora is also the editor of a growing stable of spin-off newsletters, including Nature Briefing: Cancer and Nature Briefing: Translational Research. She was previously Digital Editor of New Scientist, and a reporter and broadcaster specializing in physics and technology. She has a BSc in physics from the University of British Columbia and an MSc in science communication from Imperial College London.

Alok Jha, Science and Technology Editor, The Economist

Alok Jha is the science and technology editor at The Economist. He's also the host of the paper's weekly science podcast, "Babbage". 

Before that, he was science correspondent for ITV News and the Guardian, covering daily news and current affairs for more than a decade. He has also written and presented multiple TV and radio documentary series for the BBC. In 2018, he spent a year as a Wellcome fellow, developing new storytelling formats for complex topics.

He has reported from all over the world, including live from Antarctica, and is also the author of three popular science books, including “The Water Book” (Headline, 2015).

Charlie Beckett, Professor, Department of Media and Communications, London School of Economics

Charlie Beckett is a professor in the Department of Media and Communications. He is the founding director of Polis, the London School of Economics' international journalism think-tank. Professor Beckett is currently leading the Polis Journalism and AI project. He was director of the LSE’s Truth, Trust and Technology Commission that reported on the misinformation crisis in 2018. 

He was an award-winning journalist at LWT, BBC and ITN. He began his news career on the South London Press and ended it as a programme editor at Channel 4 News. 

@CharlieBeckett

https://www.lse.ac.uk/media-and-communications/polis/JournalismAI

Katy Evans, Managing Editor, IFLScience

Katy is an editor and writer with over 15 years of experience in online and print publishing, and a love of entertaining people with cool, weird stories that make you go, huh? In this quest, she has interviewed scientific luminaries that range from popular TV science communicators to Nobel Prize winners. She has a BA in Humanities and Philosophy, has been a contributing author to two published books, and is a fierce advocate of the Oxford comma. She oversees IFLScience editorial content from News articles to Features, and even occasionally writes some. 

Anna Lombardi, Senior Data and Graphics Journalist, The Times and Sunday Times

Anna Lombardi is a senior data and graphics journalist at The Times and The Sunday Times in London, specialising in visual journalism and finding stories in data. She holds a PhD in experimental physics from the University of Lyon (France) and an MSc in science communication from the International School for Advanced Studies in Trieste (Italy). Anna previously worked as a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Cambridge, working across the domains of nano-optics, spectroscopy and plasmonics. Her move into the news industry has reconciled her love for data and scientific thinking with her creativity and passion for social causes.

Alexander McNamara, Editor-in-Chief, Live Science

Alexander McNamara is the Editor-in-Chief at Live Science, and has more than 15 years’ experience in publishing at digital titles. More than half of this time has been dedicated to bringing the wonders of science and technology to a wider audience through editor roles at New Scientist and BBC Science Focus, developing new podcasts, newsletters and ground-breaking features along the way. Prior to this, he covered a diverse spectrum of content, ranging from women’s lifestyle, travel, sport and politics, at Hearst and Microsoft. He holds a degree in economics from the University of Sheffield, and before embarking in a career in journalism had a brief stint as an English teacher in the Czech Republic. In his spare time, you can find him with his head buried in the latest science books or tinkering with cool gadgets.

Joshua Howgego, Features Editor, New Scientist

Joshua Howgego is a features editor at New Scientist covering physical sciences, the environment and archaeology. He has a PhD in chemistry from the University of Bristol and an MSc in science communication from Imperial College London. Joshua previously worked as a deputy editor at SciDev.net, a media website that covers the intersection of science and global development. During his time at university, Joshua was shortlisted in The Guardian’s student media awards for feature writer of the year.

Sam Bronheim

Producer

Biography to follow.

Andy Extance

Producer

12:30-13:30 Building resilience: Surviving in a critical and visible environment

14:30-15:30 Online visibility: Getting eyes on your stories

Andy is Chair of the ABSW. He fuses chemistry and physics – and whatever other elements cross his desk – into words, thanks to a career infused with both fields. He has been a freelance science writer since 2003, working for employers such as Chemistry World and BBC Future. He was news editor for Compound Semiconductor magazine from 2006-2009. 

Before that, Andy worked in industrial chemistry, briefly making adhesives and rubber after spending six and a half years working at Tripos Discovery Research, an early-stage contract pharmaceutical research company. He is also a director of Exeter Community Energy, director of Exeter Empirical and Editor-in-chief of ScienceSeeker.

Alex O'Brien

Producer:

12:30-13:30 Stats 101

15:30-16:30 Interview skills: Getting the story you need from the person in front of you

Alex is Vice-Chair of the ABSW and is a London based science writer. Her work has appeared in The Guardian, Scientific American, Discover Magazine, Medium, The Huffington Post, Gizmodo, Delayed Gratification and others.

She is a co-founder of EquationX - A series of science related leadership events hosting talks and debates.

Alex is also keen amateur poker player. In 2019 she came 8th in a prestigious online poker tournament, besting over 11,000 other players.

Her début non-fiction science book The Truth Detective will be published by Profile Books in 2021.

Andy Ridgway

Producer:

11:30-12:30 Developing a brilliant story idea

17:00-18:00 Pitchathon - pitch your stories to real editors

Andy is an ABSW Board member and a former Deputy Editor of BBC Science Focus and he continues to write, his work appearing in Focus, New Scientist, The Economist and Men's Health. He is a Senior Lecturer in Science Communication at the University of the West of England in Bristol and programme leader of their internationally renowned MSc in Science Communication. He was UWE's Principal Investigator on the Europe-wide online science communication research project RETHINK, which considered current challenges such as misinformation and trust. Andy has spent several years as a member of the judging team of the Max Perutz Science Writing Award run by the Medical Research Council. 

Katharine Sanderson

Producer

11:30-12:30 Getting 'workplace' ready

14:30-15:30 Diverse voices: The key to diverse audiences

Katharine is an award-winning science journalist and editor with over 15 years experience. She is an ABSW Board member and a senior reporter at Nature. She writes mostly about the physical sciences, as well as the climate, community stories and AI.

Previously Katharine worked at Chemistry World, and has also spent time as a freelance journalist. She has BSc and MSc chemistry degrees from Imperial College and a PhD in chemistry from Cambridge University.
 
Katharine also teaches modules on science writing at Leeds University and King's College London. 

Matthew Warren

Producer:

10:00-11:00 Career paths in science journalism

15:30-16:30 Digital skills

Matthew Warren is European News Editor for Science. He previously edited the psychology publication Research Digest, and has worked as a reporter for Nature and Science. Before moving into journalism he completed a doctorate in neuroscience at the University of Oxford.