We find in Elizabeth Finkel a rare synthesis of laboratory expertise and narrative genius. With 40+ years experience spanning biochemistry research and science communication, she illuminates complex concepts from gene editing to consciousness studies for broad audiences.
“The best science stories reveal how research reshapes our fundamental assumptions about life.”
Successful pitches should:
We trace Elizabeth Finkel’s journey from biochemistry researcher to one of Australia’s most decorated science communicators. After earning her PhD from the University of Melbourne in 1982, she conducted groundbreaking work on fruit fly embryogenesis at UC San Francisco, published in Nature. This foundation in rigorous scientific inquiry informs her distinctive approach to science journalism – combining technical depth with narrative flair.
“Rational, evidence-based discourse is under threat everywhere. Our mission as science journalists has never been more poignant.”
This 2023 investigation dissects the landmark “adversarial collaboration” between neuroscientists and philosophers attempting to resolve the hard problem of consciousness. Finkel masterfully contrasts David Chalmers’ “consciousness as fundamental property” view with Daniel Dennett’s eliminative materialism, using the five-year study’s mixed results to highlight science’s self-correcting nature. Her analysis reveals how even failed experiments advance understanding through refined methodologies.
In this 2024 polemic, Finkel sounds the alarm about South Australia’s proposed cuts to museum research staff. Through case studies like the Ediacaran fossil collection and Indigenous cultural artifacts, she demonstrates how museum collections serve as living laboratories. The piece combines policy analysis with poignant examples of endangered research programs, arguing that divorcing curation from active scholarship creates “theme parks of dead knowledge.”
This 2019 deep dive chronicles the decades-long quest to cure genetic disorders through viral vector delivery systems. Finkel follows researchers from early tragedies like Jesse Gelsinger’s death to recent successes with spinal muscular atrophy treatments. Her narrative balances technical explanations of adenovirus engineering with ethical discussions about accessibility, exemplifying her ability to humanize complex biomedical innovation.
Finkel prioritizes stories demonstrating science’s societal connections, as seen in her museum funding piece linking paleontology to World Heritage bids. Successful pitches should highlight research implications for policy, culture, or environmental stewardship.
Her consciousness theories article shows skill in navigating academic disputes. Pitch controversies where opposing viewpoints generate methodological progress rather than mere conflict.
With 46% of her bylines focusing on Australian science, she seeks stories showcasing domestic innovation’s global impact, particularly in biodiversity and medical research.
Finkel favors projects with decade-spanning narratives like gene therapy’s 40-year development arc. Pitch longitudinal studies or meta-analyses revealing paradigm shifts.
Her work frequently references scientific history, as seen in comparisons between current stem cell debates and 19th-century germ theory disputes. Successful pitches should frame new discoveries within their historical lineage.
This prestigious honor recognizes Finkel’s transformative impact on science communication through magazine founding, book authorship, and public education initiatives. Awarded for “significant service to science as an author and journalist, and to the community.”
Her investigative piece “A statin a day” earned Australia’s premier science journalism award by demystifying cholesterol research controversies. The Australian Museum jury praised its “perfect balance between medical complexity and public relevance.”
The Australian Society for Medical Research’s highest honor acknowledged Finkel’s career-spanning contributions to translating biomedical research. Selection criteria emphasized her unique dual perspective as researcher-turned-journalist.
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:
