Meg Gannon is a Berlin-based journalist specializing in science, history, and environmental reporting, with bylines in Smithsonian Magazine, Live Science, and Eos. Her work bridges ancient civilizations and cutting-edge research, often highlighting Indigenous knowledge and climate resilience.
“Gannon’s stories remind us that science is as much about people as it is about data.” —Editor, Smithsonian Magazine
With a track record of transforming dense research into compelling narratives, Gannon remains a sought-after voice in science communication. Her recent investigations into glacial retreat and marine biology underscore her commitment to stories that resonate across academic and public spheres.
We’ve followed Meg Gannon’s career as a science and history journalist with admiration for her ability to bridge ancient mysteries and modern scientific inquiry. Based in Berlin, Germany, Gannon has contributed to top-tier publications like Smithsonian Magazine, Live Science, and Eos, establishing herself as a versatile storyteller with a focus on archaeology, environmental science, and space exploration. Her work often intersects with cultural preservation, offering readers nuanced perspectives on how past and present scientific discoveries shape our understanding of humanity.
Gannon’s excavation of a pre-Columbian canal system in Alabama highlights Indigenous engineering prowess. The article details how advanced hydrological techniques supported trade and sustenance for the Mississippian culture. Her analysis connects the canal’s construction to broader themes of resource management, offering parallels to modern climate adaptation strategies. By collaborating with local Indigenous communities, Gannon ensures their narratives are central, reinforcing her commitment to ethical storytelling in archaeology.
This piece explores the reproductive behavior of a deep-sea octopus, challenging assumptions about marine biology. Gannon synthesizes findings from a decade-long marine study, emphasizing the ecological implications of extended parental care in extreme environments. Her vivid descriptions of the octopus’s habitat and survival strategies make complex research accessible, while interviews with marine biologists underscore the study’s significance for conservation efforts.
Gannon breaks down a pivotal climate study, illustrating how even modest temperature rises could decimate glacial systems by 2050. She contextualizes data from satellite imagery and field surveys, linking ice loss to broader environmental and socioeconomic impacts. The article’s urgent tone reflects her ability to translate scientific jargon into actionable insights, appealing to policymakers and public audiences alike.
Gannon thrives at the intersection of history and science. Pitches should emphasize how technological advancements (e.g., LiDAR, 3D scanning) unlock archaeological mysteries or how climate data informs heritage preservation. For example, her coverage of Alabama’s Native American canal used ground-penetrating radar to reveal its engineering sophistication, blending tools from both fields.
She prioritizes marginalized voices, particularly Indigenous perspectives in archaeology. Successful pitches might explore collaborative projects between scientists and local communities, such as her work on repatriating Hawaiian ancestral remains. Avoid Eurocentric frameworks unless critiquing them.
Gannon’s glacier coverage for Eos tied ice loss to cultural displacement in mountain communities. Pitches should connect ecological data to tangible consequences, such as how rising seas threaten coastal archaeological sites or how traditional knowledge informs modern sustainability practices.
“Gannon’s reporting on the Rosetta mission redefined public engagement with space exploration.” —European Space Agency Press Office
While formal awards aren’t listed, her contributions to major science communication initiatives, such as the European Gaia spacecraft data rollout, demonstrate industry recognition. Her ability to distill complex astrophysical concepts for mainstream audiences during the Rosetta mission earned praise from NASA and ESA affiliates.
