Science Update blog

Henry Scowcroft

Henry spent four years at university studying biochemistry before realising that the laboratory life wasn’t for him, and going to work for a science journal instead.

From there, he went on to do a Masters in Science Communication and, after a brief flirtation with science journalism, in 2003 he started working in Cancer Research UK’s Science Communications team.

From 2005 to 2010 he worked in the charity’s Digital department, helping to launch – and then relaunch – their News & Resources website. In 2011 he moved to back to the Science Comms team, where he now spends his days managing the charity’s news feed and this blog. He’s also a Visiting Lecturer on City University’s Science Journalism MA course.

Kat Arney

Dr Kat Arney joined Cancer Research UK in 2004, after spending six years as a laboratory researcher.

Part of the Science Communications team, she translates science-speak into plain English, so that everyone can understand the charity’s work.

Kat loves talking about science, and regularly comments in the media on the latest discoveries as well as giving talks to staff and supporters.

She presents and produces the Cancer Research UK podcast, and also helps to present the highly successful Naked Scientists BBC Radio show in her spare time.

Oliver Childs

Oliver Childs studied Natural Sciences at Bath University. After graduating, he then spent several years working in science publishing in various editorial roles, including as Copy Editor of Nature Reviews Cancer and Managing Editor at International Medical Press. He’s also worked as a freelance medical and healthcare copywriter.

He joined the Science Communications team at Cancer Research UK in January 2009, working on their annual publications. He now works as part of the News and Multimedia team, helping to manage the charity’s blog and news feed.

Jess Harris

Jessica joined Cancer Research UK’s graduate programme in 2007 after studying natural sciences at university. She spent a few years doing placements around the organisation before joining the Health Information Department.

In her current role, she makes sure our messages about cancer prevention, early diagnosis and screening are up-to-date, effective and based on the most reliable scientific evidence.

She regularly talks about our research and health messages in the media, and manages and writes for the Healthy Living section of our website.

Nell Barrie

Nell Barrie joined Cancer Research UK in 2009, after working as a freelance science communicator. She studied biology at Oxford University and went on to do a Masters in Science Communication, spending time as a science teacher and science events organiser along the way.

She’s now part of the Portfolio Information Unit, providing inspiring stories about our researchers for fundraising teams, including working with Stand Up To Cancer.

Other contributors

Alongside our regular contributors we also publish updates and commentary from others around the charity, including our policy team, and feature the occasional guest post from our scientists and other prominent people in the field.