Beyond the Hype - Fiona Fox ****

Fiona Fox runs the UK's Science Media Centre, which acts as a kind of interface between journalists and scientists to try to improve the reporting of science in the media. This is the story of that Centre and its major events.

As a science writer myself, it's a strong area of interest, and Fox puts across the story in a lively fashion. There is no doubt that there was a need for something like this from both sides. Many scientists are poor at communicating their work - yet it's essential that it is done well, both because that work is often publicly funded and to make sure the public understands the scientific view. Similarly, many journalists, particularly those without a science background, over-hype science results (especially when reporting initial, small-scale medical studies) and need help in accessing the right people to get the story straight. 

As, for example, Covid and climate change demonstrate so clearly, science has a huge impact on our lives and fostering a better understanding is essential. Apart from these topics, Fox also covers a good range of others, from GM and animal experimentation to dealing with breaking news and the interplay between science and politics. The chapter I found most interesting was the one on the furore that exploded after some unwise, intended to be self-deprecating, remarks by a male scientist (Tim Hunt) about female scientists that was taken out of context and resulted in a major collapse of his career. Fox not only covers the Science Media Centre's involvement, but gives some valuable insights into the ways that the media reacted to the story.

The only thing I didn't like about the book is that it did sometimes feel like a book-length advertorial for the Science Media Centre. Perhaps this is inevitable in the circumstances - and Fox does note a few times when they got it wrong - but it might have been better if someone else had written this book to put a little distance between the author and the topic. Fox is clearly proud of the centre and what it has done, which is great - but, particularly in the introduction, her enthusiasm can come across as a little heavy-handed.

If you have an interest in the way science is communicated to the public, this is an essential read.

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Review by Brian Clegg - See all Brian's online articles or subscribe to a weekly email free hereShort