Profile of a Science Journo:    

DEB SMITH, Science Writer, Sydney Morning Herald 

debsmith@smh.com.au

How did you get into science journalism?

By chance, my first job, after graduating with an honours degree in physical chemistry from the University of Sydney, was as a forensic toxicologist for the NSW Department of Health. I then travelled the world for two years. Soon after I returned, The National Times weekly newspaper advertised for a science graduate to report on education. I was still in an adventurous mood so I jumped in the deep end.

What are the main obstacles you face?

As a news reporter for a daily paper my stories have to compete for limited space against every other story of the day, from politics and corruption to celebrities and sport. Science stories can be harder to sell because they often contain unfamiliar concepts, usually won't bring down governments and don't affect most people's hip pockets.

I spend a lot of time looking for stories that will make it across the line and it is frustrating that many scientists must know about great ones but don't think to shoot me off a quick email.

What aspects of science do you feel most passionate about?

I see one of my most important roles as ensuring our readers know what scientific developments are on the horizon that could affect their lives. So I particularly enjoy writing about new, controversial technologies, such as cloning, stem cell research, nanotechnology and issues such as climate change.

What is your most memorable experience as a science reporter?

Being the first Australian reporter to travel to the Indonesian island of Flores after the announcement of the discovery of the hobbits, Homo floresiensis. It was a fascinating trip, greatly helped by being accompanied by a member of the discovery team, Douglas Hobbs, who explained the culture and geology of the island and history of the find.

However, I also had to overcome my anxieties about flying in old planes, active volcanos on the island and possible tsunamis (It was before the Boxing Day tsunami and my Sydney colleagues were wondering what on earth I was worried about!).

Do you have a particular philosophy when writing a story?

I always consider the general reader, whether they will be interested in the topic and whether I have made the science clear enough for them to want to read to the end, particularly with a feature. For a discovery news story, for example, I see my job as simplifying without trivialising, and making the story as interesting and relevant as possible without sensationalising it or introducing scientific errors. I still don't find it easy.

What is your advice for people trying to get into science journalism?

To be a good science journalist you foremost have to be a good journalist, which requires flexibility, a thick skin, inquisitiveness and determination. (I've also been a foreign correspondent and page editor and written on everything from finance to pop stars).

Follow your interests at an undergraduate level and consider a postgraduate degree in journalism. Jobs are rare and you will need a portfolio, so get articles published wherever you can, eg, in trade journals or university newspapers as a start.

What do you do now and then to get science out of your system?

I am married with two sons, aged 11 and 14, and family life takes up most of my time outside work. I enjoy opera and cinema but would like to spend more time in the bush and get back to my old hobby of singing in a choir.

BACK to: Who's reporting science?