Norfolk lavender
I began my writing career with occasional contributions to New Scientist in the 1980s. Prior to that I had worked as a research chemist for King’s College London and the National Institute for Medical Research and also as a science teacher, in secondary and adult education. During the 1990s, I built up my writing and editing and finally went full time freelance in 1997.
I was Medical Editor of Focus (now BBC Focus) magazine from 1994 to 2001 and European News Correspondent of the leading biotech Industry journal Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News from 1993 to 2010. I have contributed to many magazines, including Chemistry & Industry, Optimum Nutrition, Pharmafocus and Trends in Biotechnology. While I was teaching, I was involved in developing a number of textbooks and I have also written some popular science books, including The Thread of Life: the story of genes and genetic engineering (Cambridge University Press).
Other work includes brochures showcasing research for the Irish Health Research Board and the Alzheimer’s Society, among others. I am happy to attend scientific and medical conferences to report stories and have also done a fair amount of ghost writing for medical and biotech companies.
My academic qualifications include a PhD in organic chemistry and MSc degrees in both physical organic chemistry and biotechnology. I also have a Postgraduate Certificate in Science Education. These days I work mainly as the Editor of Diabetes Update, which is Diabetes UK’s magazine for healthcare professionals and as a blog writer for the air quality website Allergy Cosmos. I’m happy to take on other freelance commissions, so do feel free to get in touch!