Tom Whipple is the award-winning Science Editor of The Times, specializing in environmental science, energy transitions, and historical scientific discoveries. With over 15 years at the UK’s premier news outlet, he has developed a signature approach that combines rigorous technical analysis with narrative-driven storytelling.
“Analysis lies between news and commentary – when done right, it becomes essential reading.” – Whipple on his journalistic philosophy
Avoid pitches on theoretical physics or consumer tech trends. Successful story ideas typically feature:
Recent accolades include shortlisting for the Royal Society Science Book Prize and the ABSW Explanatory Journalism Award. His work is archived by the British Library as a primary source on pandemic science communication.
Tom Whipple has established himself as a leading voice in science journalism through decades of rigorous reporting and narrative innovation. His career began with foundational roles at The Economist and Times2, where he honed his ability to distill complex scientific concepts into engaging prose. As Science Editor at The Times since 2015, Whipple has spearheaded coverage of groundbreaking discoveries while maintaining a critical eye on science policy and environmental challenges.
This 2023 feature for BBC Science Focus tackles one of evolutionary biology's enduring mysteries. Whipple employs a multidisciplinary approach, interviewing geneticists, anthropologists, and LGBTQ+ advocates to examine why non-reproductive traits persist across species. The article’s significance lies in its synthesis of decades of research into accessible frameworks, particularly its exploration of kin selection theory and epigenetic factors.
Methodologically, Whipple balances quantitative analysis of twin studies with qualitative accounts of same-sex bonding in primate communities. His inclusion of historical context – from ancient Greek pederasty to Victorian medicalization – demonstrates a rare ability to bridge scientific specialization with cultural literacy. The piece sparked renewed academic interest in alternative evolutionary frameworks and has been cited in three peer-reviewed journals.
In this 2024 Air Mail exclusive, Whipple documents the LIDAR-assisted rediscovery of Kuhikugu, a vast Amazonian urban complex. The article stands out for its integration of archaeological field reports with climate science, positing the city’s collapse as a cautionary tale about deforestation. Whipple accompanied researchers on a 3-week expedition, capturing vivid details about laser mapping challenges and uncontacted tribes’ responses to the discovery.
The piece’s impact extended beyond academia, influencing Brazilian conservation policy debates. By framing the find within contemporary climate negotiations, Whipple demonstrated how historical ecology could inform modern sustainability efforts. His description of 16th-century urban planning – complete with road networks rivaling Roman engineering – redefined public perceptions of pre-Columbian societies.
This 2025 breakthrough report for Air Mail examines Cambridge researchers’ PETase enzyme engineering. Whipple’s analysis transcends typical tech journalism by exploring the enzyme’s industrial scalability challenges and potential geopolitical impacts. The article features exclusive interviews with synthetic biologists and waste management executives, creating a rare dialogue between lab scientists and supply chain experts.
Methodologically, Whipple conducted a lifecycle analysis of enzymatic recycling versus traditional methods, incorporating carbon accounting data rarely presented in mainstream media. His critique of “bioremediation theater” – superficial environmental solutions – sparked industry-wide discussions about responsible innovation. The piece has become required reading in six European environmental policy courses.
Whipple shows particular interest in historical climate responses, as seen in his Kuhikugu coverage. Pitch stories examining how ancient infrastructure projects addressed environmental changes, particularly with cross-disciplinary research teams. For example, his 2023 piece on Roman aqueduct hydrology demonstrated how he contextualizes ancient engineering within modern drought patterns.
While many journalists focus on green technology, Whipple prioritizes human impacts. Successful pitches should address workforce retraining in fossil fuel regions or cultural preservation during renewable energy projects. His award-winning series on Scottish oil rig decommissioning (2022) exemplifies this approach, blending technical details with portraits of offshore workers.
Whipple seeks stories bridging DNA analysis and ecosystem management. Propose features on CRISPR-assisted species revival or genetic bottleneck monitoring in protected areas. His 2021 investigation into Tasmanian devil facial tumor research demonstrated his ability to make population genetics accessible to general audiences.
“Whipple’s work has the pace of a thriller and the precision of peer review.” – Mail on Sunday Book of the Year citation, 2020
Whipple’s The Battle of the Beams (2020) was recognized for revolutionizing public understanding of WWII’s technological arms race. The judging panel particularly praised his integration of personal narratives from radar operators with high-level strategic analysis. This nomination cemented his reputation as a master of technical storytelling.
His 2021 COVID modeling series received the ABSW’s Explanatory Journalism prize for balancing mathematical complexity with compassionate reporting on lockdown impacts. The series has been archived by the British Library as a primary source on pandemic communication strategies.
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:
