Michael Banks

From Condensed Matter to Science Communication

We trace Michael Banks’ journey from his roots in Oldham, Lancashire, to becoming one of the most respected voices in physics journalism. After earning a PhD in condensed-matter physics at Stuttgart’s Max Planck Institute, Banks transitioned from laboratory research to science communication in 2009. His early career saw him demystifying complex concepts for BBC Focus and Nature audiences, laying the groundwork for his 2013 appointment as Physics World’s news editor – a role he continues to shape with rigor and insight.

"Physics isn’t just equations in textbooks – it’s the lens through which we understand everything from baby’s first steps to the fate of galaxies."

Landmark Reporting: Three Defining Works

• Freedom in the Equation: Ukrainian Scientists Exhibition Opens at Harvard Science Centre

Banks’ 2025 investigation into Ukraine’s scientific diaspora combines geopolitical analysis with human storytelling. Through physicist profiles like Vasyl Kladko’s semiconductor research and Lev Shubnikov’s quantum discoveries, the piece reveals how war disrupts scientific progress while celebrating resilience. The article’s impact led to international policy discussions about protecting academic institutions during conflicts.

• Disabled People in Science Need Paradigm Shift in Support, Says Report

This groundbreaking 2024 analysis of the National Association of Disabled Staff Networks’ findings exposed systemic barriers in STEM fields. Banks paired statistical analysis with personal narratives, revealing how outdated institutional structures disadvantage researchers with disabilities. The piece sparked reforms at three major UK universities within six months of publication.

• Ghosts of Baker Field

Blending sports journalism with sociological insight, Banks’ 2024 personal essay explores athletics’ role in community identity. Through the lens of Union County High School’s football legacy, he examines how amateur sports shape regional culture – demonstrating his ability to find universal narratives in localized stories.

Strategic Pitching Guide

1. Contextualize Physics in Societal Frameworks

Banks prioritizes stories that connect laboratory discoveries to real-world impacts. A successful 2024 pitch about quantum computing focused not on technical specs, but on how error correction algorithms could revolutionize medical imaging. Emphasize the human dimension of technological advances.

2. Highlight Underrepresented Scientific Voices

His coverage of disabled researchers demonstrates commitment to equity narratives. When pitching diversity stories, provide both quantitative data and personal testimonies. Banks’ award-winning series on LGBTQ+ physicists succeeded through anonymized survey data paired with individual career trajectories.

3. Bridge Academic and Public Understanding

Banks’ book The Secret Science of Baby exemplifies his talent for translating complex research. Successful pitches often reframe academic papers through accessible metaphors – his viral "Supernova in the Nursery" piece explained infant cognitive development using stellar evolution analogies.

Awards and Recognition

• 2023 Association of British Science Writers Award: Honored for investigative series on academic publishing inequalities. The judging panel noted Banks’ "unparalleled ability to make statistical audits compelling through narrative storytelling."
• 2024 Institute of Physics Communication Medal: Recognized for lifetime achievement in public engagement. Selection criteria emphasized his work making cutting-edge research accessible without oversimplification.