Patrick Walter
I came to science via making mini traffic lights, measuring the speed of falling sycamore seeds and brewing fine ‘perfumes’ from whatever could be dug up from the garden. These unorthodox projects eventually led to a course studying biochemistry at Bristol to indulge my interest in science. Here I found that I had more of a flair for writing about science than actually doing it, after some spectacularly unsuccessful afternoon practicals!
After stints working on science journals, writing for society newsletters and editing and writing jobs with the magazine Chemistry & Industry I joined Chemistry World. Writing for the magazine has given me a wonderful opportunity to meet childhood heroes and some of the best scientists in the world. Telling the world about their work is not only great fun, but also matters. A scientifically literate public and body politic is vital if we expect evidence to play a greater role in policy-making.
ReviewThe element in the room: science-y stuff staring you in the face
The Festival of the Spoken Nerd goes from stage to page
OpinionWhat’s in a number?
Redefining the mole is more than just bean-counting – it helps people reconnect with chemistry
NewsRoyal recognition for UK scientists
Contributions to science and public engagement rewarded in 2018 New Year’s Honours list
OpinionPriming courts for science
The first guides to understanding scientific evidence in the courtroom
OpinionScientists become bedeviled advocates
Scientists need to stand up for rational thinking at a time when it is under threat around the world
OpinionElectric avenue
Western carmakers need to seize the initiative on cleaner vehicles or risk being left behind
OpinionRebels with a cause
The student debt genie is out of the bottle after putting in an unexpected appearance at the UK elections
OpinionCross-party consensus on funding science at last
Whoever wins the UK election science will benefit with promises to double R&D spending
NewsThe great beauty of chemistry
Heritage science is growing fast and Rocco Mazzeo wants more chemists to chip in
NewsNottingham green labs rise from ashes
Innovative low carbon labs rebuilt after fire destroyed them mid-construction
OpinionTaking the nuclear option
If the UK is to leave Euratom then it needs to quickly take advice from the community
OpinionAn unsettling forecast
Uncertainty makes for a poor bedfellow when it comes to the scientific enterprise
OpinionA nanocarbon revolution
Twenty years on from the Nobel prize for fullerenes chemists pay tribute to the field Harry Kroto helped to launch
OpinionA new source of helium is good news for science
Success prospecting for helium shouldn’t halt efforts to conserve and recover this vital scientific resource
OpinionWe need a global plan to beat resistance
We all need to do our bit and act for the common good if we’re going to protect antibiotics
