Michael Marshall combines scientific depth with narrative flair across environmental, health, and evolutionary biology reporting. Currently contributing to Science News and The Transmitter, his work bridges academic research and public understanding through:
"The best science writing doesn’t just explain discoveries – it reveals how knowledge gets made."
With over 15 years’ experience at top-tier outlets including BBC Earth and New Scientist, Marshall brings both editorial expertise and a commitment to evidence-based storytelling. His 2020 book The Genesis Quest remains essential reading in origins-of-life research circles.
Michael Marshall has established himself as a leading voice in science communication, blending academic rigor with accessible storytelling. After earning an MSc in Science Communication from Imperial College London, he began his career at New Scientist, progressing from online editorial assistant to environment news editor over seven years. His transition to BBC Earth as acting editor (2014–2017) saw him pioneer digital-first science content strategies before embracing freelance work in 2017.
Marshall’s groundbreaking analysis of Mediterranean archaeological finds challenges conventional timelines of human maritime capabilities. By synthesizing data from obsidian tool analysis, sea level models, and carbon dating, he presents compelling evidence for intentional seafaring 10,000 years earlier than previously documented. The piece exemplifies his ability to make interdisciplinary research accessible while maintaining scientific nuance.
This investigative piece combines longitudinal study analysis with caregiver interviews to reveal the cascading impacts of sleep disturbances in neurodivergent children. Marshall deftly translates complex neurodevelopmental research into practical insights for families and educators, while critiquing systemic gaps in support services.
Produced during the COVID-19 pandemic, this work showcases Marshall’s talent for identifying emerging trends in healthcare accessibility. Through case studies across three continents, he analyzes both the potential and limitations of telemedicine for neurodevelopmental assessments, balancing technological optimism with ethical concerns about diagnostic accuracy.
Marshall consistently bridges ecological and public health narratives, as seen in his coverage of climate change’s effects on disease vectors (BBC Future, 2023). Successful pitches should connect environmental data with tangible health outcomes, particularly in underserved communities. Avoid siloed approaches – he prioritizes stories demonstrating systemic interactions between human health and ecosystem changes.
His Transmitter articles reveal a preference for translational science with immediate caregiver relevance. When pitching autism-related studies, highlight real-world implementation pathways and include interviews with both researchers and community stakeholders. Marshall avoids purely theoretical discussions without clear clinical or policy implications.
The Science News maritime history piece demonstrates Marshall’s skill in using archaeological insights to inform contemporary issues. Effective pitches might explore how historical scientific practices influence modern research methodologies or ethics. This approach works particularly well when connecting to current debates about research funding priorities.
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:
