Exact Editions has recently launched a new library digital subscription option for New Scientist, the world’s most popular weekly science and technology publication. 

Today, we chat to Catherine de Lange, New Scientist’s Editor, about her career. An award-winning science journalist, she has spent the best part of a decade at New Scientist, working in numerous roles including head of the features department, coronavirus editor, and editing features and news. Her specialism is biomedical science with a particular interest in nutrition, exercise, genetics, neuroscience, and psychology.

Did you always know you wanted to be a journalist?

Not exactly. I always loved science, especially human biology. As a teenager I was attracted to the way science provided order and reason in what seemed like a chaotic world. After that, I went on to study science, but I knew I didn’t want to be a scientist. When I found out that science communication was a career, I decided I wanted to make science documentaries. But after a few years working in the TV industry, I realised it wasn’t for me. In comparison to TV, writing felt freeing. It was easier just get on with it and tell stories without needing to organise a shoot. You could paint the picture with your words — it was much less resource intensive than TV. So that’s when I got into journalism proper. Eventually I quit my job to do an internship at New Scientist. The rest is history!

What do you find to be the most rewarding part of editing New Scientist?

It’s just such a privilege to be the temporary custodian of this incredible brand which has such a strong legacy and reputation. The team of editors and reporters we have at New Scientist is phenomenal, and it’s always most satisfying when we break exclusive stories that then set the agenda in the rest of the media, change the way science is done or politicians act, or change the way people approach their own lives. It’s that content you can’t get elsewhere that stands us apart.

Is there a particular issue you are most proud of?

I have my favourite covers. The design team put so much love into these, and they can be true works of art. But I don’t have a favourite issue. I would say I’m very proud of our coverage of the pandemic (on which we had many cover stories), which was ahead of the curve. Our in house expertise really came into its own, providing a clear, guiding voice at a time that there was so much uncertainty and confusion.

New Scientist has recently launched a new digital subscription option for libraries with Exact Editions. How do you think New Scientist’s digital presence changed over the last few years?

Like all media organisations, we must continue to evolve and innovate if we are going to stay relevant and useful to people. In the last few years we’ve launched several podcasts, including the New Scientist Weekly show; we’ve got a suite of fantastic newsletters on everything from health to the environment, space and human evolution; we’ve done a lot of work on our app, and continue to evolve that. But this is just the start — there are lots of plans afoot to truly transform New Scientist’s digital presence.

You’re also an author of two books. What inspired you to write your latest book Brain Power: Everything You Need to Know for a Healthy, Happy Brain?

I’m absolutely fascinated by the brain and I feel lucky to have been working in this job at a time when our understanding of the human brain has undergone a total revolution. I first wrote about the bilingual brain, and how speaking several languages could keep your brain young and help to prevent dementia about a decade ago! Since then we’ve discovered so many ways that we can change our daily habits to keep our brain healthy as we age. Most of those things are quite easy changes we can make to our lives, and usually they are pretty enjoyable too.

Do you think AI is going to increase or reduce the relevance of news media and magazines in education and popular culture? Why?

There’s no doubt AI is changing how people consume their news, but I’m optimistic that there will remain a vital place for the kind of journalism we do so well. Trusted, cutting-edge journalism with expert analysis.

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It was brilliant to chat Catherine and hear about her books, as well as her thoughts on AI and New Scientist’s digital presence; the latter of which will be expanded into more international libraries by Exact Editions.

“The magazine’s cutting-edge content and unique design has been thoughtfully replicated for an online audience in this new digital edition. I hope science and technology students around the world will enjoy this new engaging way of experiencing New Scientist and we’re excited for our brilliant journalism to reach new audiences at universities internationally.”

Catherine De Lange, Editor of New Scientist

Fully-searchable digital library subscriptions to New Scientist are available here.

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