As senior science journalist for ABC's Radio National, Smith specializes in remote fieldwork reporting and cross-cultural knowledge exchange. His 12-year career demonstrates consistent innovation in making complex research accessible across media formats - from children's podcasts to parliamentary briefings.
"Stories thrive at the intersection of human ingenuity and planetary challenges - show me the people rewriting our relationship with technology and nature."
Carl Smith's career trajectory reveals a polymath who bridges laboratory precision with journalistic storytelling. Beginning as a geneticist, Smith transitioned to science communication through ABC's news cadet program in the early 2010s. His dual expertise in molecular genetics and journalism created a unique niche for explaining complex scientific concepts through radio documentaries and children's programming.
This Walkley Award-winning investigation into medical bionics combines patient narratives with engineering breakthroughs. Smith spent 18 months tracking the development of Australia's first retinal implant program, embedding with both researchers and recipients. The piece stands out for its technical depth - explaining neural interfaces through automotive metaphors - while maintaining emotional resonance through Dianne Ashworth's story of regained sight.
Methodologically, Smith employed comparative analysis of global bionics programs, contrasting Australia's academic-industry partnerships with European models. His follow-up impact analysis revealed policy changes in medical device funding, cited in Senate hearings on healthcare innovation.
This comprehensive energy policy analysis emerged from six months of fieldwork across Australia's renewable hubs. Smith created an innovative evaluation matrix comparing 14 energy sources across 23 metrics including grid integration costs and community acceptance. The work's lasting impact stems from its prescient identification of hydrogen storage challenges, later validated by CSIRO reports.
Notably, Smith collaborated with Indigenous rangers to document traditional fire management practices as a carbon sequestration model. This cross-cultural approach informed his later climate reporting in Micronesian communities.
This exploration of molecular robotics showcases Smith's ability to translate nanoscale phenomena into accessible narratives. Through 3D audio simulations and protein-folding analogies, he demystified Harvard's DNA origami techniques. The article's interactive elements set a new standard for ABC's digital science content, driving a 217% increase in young adult engagement metrics.
Post-publication, Smith facilitated a rare public dialogue between synthetic biologists and bioethicists, documented in his Science Friction podcast series. This mediation role highlights his growing influence in science policy circles.
Prioritize pitches that connect technical innovation to lived experiences, as seen in Smith's bionics coverage. Successful examples include his profile of a Papua New Guinean engineer adapting solar tech for volcanic regions. Avoid purely theoretical research without clear implementation pathways.
Smith actively seeks collaborations between Western science and Traditional Ecological Knowledge, exemplified by his Ulithi Atoll reporting. Effective pitches might explore Aboriginal astronomy applications in satellite navigation or Māori fishing practices informing marine robotics.
Leverage Smith's work on Short & Curly by framing pitches around moral dilemmas in AI or genetic engineering. His chimera research coverage demonstrates how to present contentious topics through Socratic questioning rather than adversarial debate.
With multiple expeditions to Pacific research stations, Smith prioritizes stories requiring on-location reporting. Recent successful pitches involved documenting climate change adaptations on sinking atolls and bioprospecting in Antarctic ice caves.
Given his children's programming work, Smith welcomes projects bridging youth engagement with complex science. The Minibeast Heroes motion-capture series illustrates effective translation of entomology research for primary curricula.
Awarded for Patient Zero pandemic podcast series, this honor recognizes Smith's innovative approach to outbreak science communication. The Australian Museum-sponsored prizes represent the nation's highest distinction for scientific reporting, judged by panels of researchers and media veterans.
This career-defining award celebrated Smith's Bionic Bodies documentary series, marking the first time radio journalism won in a category traditionally dominated by investigative print pieces. The Walkley Foundation noted his "unprecedented synthesis of technical accuracy and narrative warmth."
Smith's Click-Sick series on medical misinformation earned recognition from Australia's skeptic community. The judging panel particularly praised his forensic analysis of alternative health revenue streams, combining financial auditing with epidemiological data.
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Science, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
