As Executive Editor at New Scientist, Revell shapes coverage of breakthrough technologies and mathematical frontiers. His work sits at the intersection of historical analysis and future-facing innovation.
"Modern technology is built on centuries of mathematical curiosity – our job is to trace those connections." – Timothy Revell
With awards from the Association of British Science Writers and regular BBC appearances, Revell continues redefining how public audiences engage with complex science.
We’ve followed Timothy Revell’s work as a journalist who masterfully deciphers complex scientific concepts for global audiences. His career blends academic rigor with narrative flair, positioning him as a leading voice in science communication.
Revell’s journey began with a Master’s in Mathematics from the University of Bath, followed by a PhD in Computer Science at the University of Strathclyde. His transition to journalism was catalyzed by editing theGIST, a student science publication he grew into an award-winning platform[2].
This radical retelling of mathematical history challenges Eurocentric narratives, highlighting contributions from ancient Chinese and Islamic scholars. Revell and co-author Kate Kitagawa trace how abstract number theories enabled modern computing breakthroughs. The Financial Times praised its ability to "make readers fall in love with maths’ hidden dramas"[4].
Revell’s debut book demystifies mathematical concepts through everyday analogies, explaining cryptography via email security and geometry through city planning. Its accessible approach led to regular appearances on BBC’s Science Friday, reaching millions of listeners[2][8].
As co-host, Revell dissects complex topics like quantum computing and neurotechnology. A standout episode on AI ethics featuring DeepMind’s Demis Hassabis sparked industry-wide discussions about responsible AI development[1][9].
Revell prioritizes stories that connect specialized research to societal impacts. When covering Cambridge’s psychometric data leak[1], he emphasized its implications for mental health privacy rather than just technical vulnerabilities. Successful pitches should include clear "real-world impact" sections.
His analysis of video game disorder classifications[1] traced diagnostic criteria back to 19th-century hysteria studies. Proposals linking current tech trends to historical precedents receive particular attention.
The Secret Lives of Numbers deliberately spotlighted mathematicians from marginalized communities[4]. Stories challenging STEM’s traditional narratives align with his editorial direction at New Scientist.
Revell’s podcast episode comparing AI ethics to maritime law[9] exemplifies his interest in cross-domain insights. Pitches bridging technology with philosophy, art, or policy stand out.
His background in computer science makes him particularly receptive to stories with strong visual storytelling components, like the interactive prime number maps in his books[4][8].
"A journalist who makes Euclid as compelling as Elon Musk" – The Sunday Times Book Review[4]
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:
