Editor's Note

Building a bright future for science journalism

Magazine issue: Vol. 193, No. 4, March 3, 2018, p. 2

Sponsor Message

As a longtime reader of Science News, I’m delighted to join the staff of this remarkable publication, which has been explaining the complexities of science, medicine and technology for more than 90 years. Science News hasn’t been standing still; people can find our breaking news and in-depth coverage in the flagship magazine as well as on the Science News website, which drew more than 10 million users in 2017, and also on Facebook (2.7 million followers) and Twitter (another 2.7 million).

Science News for Students and the Science News in High Schools program, which connects students in over 4,300 high schools and their teachers with the magazine, are introducing the next generation to key issues in research, science policy and public health that affect not just the future of science, but the future of us all.

A note from Maya Ajmera

I am thrilled to introduce Science News’ new Editor in Chief, Nancy Shute, who takes the helm of Science News Media Group at an exciting inflection point for journalism. Nancy will be managing the Science News newsroom and overseeing its digital transformation. As we approach the Society’s centennial year in 2021, I could not be more impressed with who we have chosen to steer our ship.

Nancy has extensive experience in science journalism, coming to us from NPR where she cohosted NPR’s health blog, Shots, and contributed news and radio features to NPR’s All Things Considered and Morning Edition. She also has written for national publications, including National Geographic and Scientific American, and served as assistant managing editor at U.S. News & World Report.

I know she will be a great asset to Science News.

— Maya Ajmera, CEO and Publisher

The world of journalism is evolving rapidly. In the months to come, we here at Science News will be exploring how we can better serve our core readers while also introducing our top-quality science journalism to new audiences. We’ll be investigating innovations in journalism around the world and thinking big about what new platforms or technologies could make Science News stronger, better and more accessible. Who better than science journalists to help invent the news delivery systems of the future?

Twelve years ago, few among us would have imagined that we’d be reading the news on the lock screens of our smartphones. I certainly can’t imagine how we’ll be reading a decade from now. But I’m looking forward to finding out.

Rest assured, our commitment to rigorous reporting, accuracy, fairness and transparency will remain at the core of our mission at Science News. I’m looking forward to moving into the future with you and for you, our readers.