Episode description

Deborah Blum is an acclaimed science journalist, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, and Director of the Knight Science Journalism program at MIT. With a career spanning decades, she has worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between science and the public through her compelling storytelling and her commitment to advancing science literacy. Her influential books, including The Poisoner’s Handbook and The Poison Squad, explore the intersection of science, history, and societal impact, earning her widespread recognition. At the Knight Science Journalism program, Deborah leads efforts to train and support journalists worldwide, fostering a global community dedicated to improving the quality of science communication and addressing pressing challenges like misinformation and declining public trust in science.

In this conversation, Deborah discusses the evolving role of science journalism in today’s complex information landscape. From her leadership at the Knight Science Journalism Program to her insights on science literacy and the challenges of misinformation, Deborah explores how journalists and scientists can work together to build a more informed and trusting society. She emphasises the importance of education, social justice, and effective communication in fostering a science-literate public while highlighting the program’s global impact in empowering the next generation of science journalists and the power of storytelling in bridging the gap between science and society.

Read more here and ⁠⁠watch the episode here⁠⁠.

Series lead and interviewer: ⁠⁠Dr Suze Kundu⁠⁠, Director of Researcher and Community Engagement, ⁠⁠Digital Science⁠⁠. Filming and production support: Huw James, Science Story Lab. Filmed at the Knight Science Journalism headquarters, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA. Recorded in April 2024.