A Brief History of Bluesci

Leia Judge speaks to past Bluesci contributors about where their careers have taken them and what they have learned along the way

Micheal Marshall

Then | News editor and President (2005–07)

Now | Author of The Genesis Quest

“I think in a funny way the most lasting thing I did [while at Bluesci] was to change the name of the society. It was originally called Cambridge University Science Productions, but the BlueSci magazine had swiftly become its best-known product, and the difference was confusing, so I went for consistent branding and had the society’s name changed to BlueSci. Start writing or editing now. Student journalism is great experience, particularly if you do it regularly and systematically. Don’t just write the odd thing: write regularly, hit your word counts and your deadlines, and don’t worry if some of the pieces are crap along the way. Don’t take any facts for granted: double-check everything! Newton never had an annus mirabilis, the dinosaur extinction wasn’t 65 million years ago, and dinosaurs aren’t entirely extinct.”

Jon Heras

Then | Pictures editor and President (2008–09)

Now | Founder and Science Animator at Equinox Graphics

“I decided to try to make my hobby into a job, and though there’s been ups and downs, it’s been creative and rewarding. I have my own business, with employees and really varied and interesting clients, from satellite manufacturers like Airbus, academics in cutting edge science, and commercial science companies like Microsoft Research and pharmaceutical companies. I’m always learning new science, and never bored! I know a little about everything from quantum physics to synthetic biology to space missions. It’s not possible to go from zero to full-time freelance. You’ll need time to learn skills, develop your own style, and create a portfolio that reflects this. Each project, I over delivered and could then use this to fish for better clients. Or better yet, get a job somewhere you can learn best practices, which will save you a lot of headaches and get you where you want to be faster.”

Ian Fyfe

Then | Issue editor (Issue 17) and President (2010)

Now | Senior Editor on Nature Reviews Neurology

“My highlight was definitely being Issue Editor — I put my heart and soul into making the issue the best it could be, and holding it in my hand at the end of the process was super-rewarding! I definitely wouldn’t be where I am now without BlueSci. At the time, it helped me decide that a career in publishing was what I wanted. And the experience was also crucial for securing my jobs. Make the most of the opportunities that BlueSci (or similar student publications) provide to get experience of publishing. Even if you’re interested in editorial, try getting involved in the layout and production because it’s really valuable to know how all the processes fit together. All experience of publishing will be really valuable when you come to apply for jobs.”

Nick Crumpton

Then | Writer (2010) and film editor (2011–12)

Now | Zoologist and children’s author

“I was awarded a British science association fellowship at the BBC News website pretty much thanks to my work with Bluesci. This then led directly on to some time working for the BBC Natural History Unit which helped me get a role as a science communicator at the Natural History Museum, London and now — after a jaunt through a couple of postdocs and a position at the Royal Society — I write non-fiction books for children. My career’s been a twisty ride, but one that can be traced back almost directly to my time at BlueSci. Don’t compare yourself to other people working in similar fields, try to write with your own voice, stay open to opportunities you might not have previously considered, and don’t be frightened to pitch your heart out.”

Jonathan Lawson

Then | Web editor (2011) and President (2012)

Now | Head of Content at Owlstone Medical

“BlueSci was one of my biggest commitments and helped me to develop many of the skills I’ve used on a daily basis in my career since. Being part of the committee also helped me to start exploring the management and leadership skills that are so useful for career progression. Science communication is an enthusiastic, supportive, and diverse community. Make the most of the opportunities that come to you and explore a wide range of different skills and activities to find what you love doing. Be proud of your choices and the direction you’ve chosen.”

Anand Jagatia

Then | Bluesci radio producer and presenter (2011–13)

Now | BBC CrowdScience Presenter and Video Producer at The Royal Institution

“I presented and produced [Bluesci Radio] for two years with some really passionate and creative people, and had an absolute blast. I interviewed academics, students, chocolatiers, and even got to meet an astronaut. The best piece of advice I’ve heard on this is from American radio producer Ira Glass: just make stuff. It doesn’t matter if it’s not as good as you’d hoped — the only way to get better is to keep on making stuff. So go on!”

Tim Middleton

Then | News editor and President (2011–12)

Now | PhD student in ecotheology and communications editor at the William Temple Foundation

“I started out as News Editor, but I made the mistake of posting a story on the website on Christmas Eve. The President at the time quickly realised that I’d be mad enough to consider running the show, and I ended up as President from 2011 to 2012! BlueSci cultivated my love of writing, which has been so helpful as I’ve moved over into the humanities. It also equipped me with editorial and managerial skills that are proving invaluable in my other roles. Try and stay patient: it can sometimes take a long time to get to where you hope to be!”

Elsa Loissel

Then | Issue and managing editor and President (2016–18)

Now | Associate Features Editor at eLife

“I showed copies of the BlueSci issues I worked on during my interview at eLife, and I’m pretty sure this landed me the job. Get a portfolio; gather some knowledge of social media and multimedia tools; and keep your mind open as to the many different jobs you can do where you get to write about science — it’s not just about being a science journalist. You don’t necessarily need a PhD to do scicomms; and join newsletters such as Science Writing News Roundup or PSCI-COMS — great places to find that elusive first job.”

Eva Higganbotham

Then | News contributor and podcast host and producer (2018–20)

Now | Producer for The Naked Scientists Podcast

“I now work as a producer for The Naked Scientists. We make accessible science radio shows for a range of outlets, including the BBC. My job involves researching interesting stories, interviewing lots of scientists, designing and producing shows, lots of audio editing and mixing, and presenting on live radio. Get involved in an organisation that gives you practice talking — out loud, in public — about complex ideas in straightforward language. Don’t let perfectionism get in the way of practice!” 2012 25th issue published