Highfield, A. C.

Roger Highfield, born in 1958 in Wales, is a distinguished author, science journalist, and broadcaster. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in chemistry from Oxford University, where his research included pioneering work with neutron scattering. Highfield dedicated over two decades as the science editor for The Daily Telegraph, where he initiated several science communication programs. He later served as editor for New Scientist magazine, overseeing a redesign and the introduction of new features. Since 2011, he has held significant roles at the Science Museum Group, eventually becoming its Science Director in 2019. In this capacity, he has focused on public engagement with science, including writing extensively on COVID-19 and organizing related scientific initiatives. He also holds visiting professorships and has been recognized with numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science communication and public understanding.

Roger Highfield's career has been deeply rooted in science journalism and public engagement. After completing his doctorate in chemistry at Oxford, he embarked on a lengthy tenure as the science editor for The Daily Telegraph, a role that spanned more than twenty years. During this period, he was instrumental in developing initiatives to foster greater public interest in science, such as a young person's science writing award, a photography competition, and large-scale public experiments like 'Live Lab' and 'Megalab' in collaboration with BBC's Tomorrow's World. His editorial experience continued at New Scientist magazine, where he led a redesign and introduced new sections. Highfield's commitment to science communication is further demonstrated by his leadership roles at the Science Museum Group, where he has served as Director of External Affairs and later as Science Director. He has also held visiting professorships in Public Engagement at institutions including the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology and UCL's Department of Chemistry, highlighting his dedication to bridging the gap between scientific research and the public.

Highfield is the author and co-author of numerous popular science books that explore complex scientific topics for a broad audience. His works include 'The Arrow of Time' (1991), co-authored with Peter Coveney, which sparked significant discussion in the scientific community. He also co-authored 'The Private Lives of Albert Einstein' (1993) with Paul Carter, offering a new perspective on the renowned physicist. Other notable books address themes such as complexity science ('Frontiers of Complexity'), cloning ('After Dolly'), and the science behind popular culture ('The Science of Harry Potter'). More recent works include 'Supercooperators' (2011), 'The Dance of Life' (2020), and 'Virtual You' (2023). Beyond books, Highfield has authored long-form journalism for publications like Aeon and Wired, and his account of communicating with brain-damaged patients was widely reproduced. His contributions have been recognized through various awards and honors, including an OBE for services to public engagement with science.