In an era defined by global health crises and rapid technological shifts, few voices carry as much weight and clarity as Anjana Ahuja. A PhD physicist turned award-winning journalist, Ahuja has spent more than thirty years communicating complex scientific findings to a general audience, notably through her work for the Financial Times.
A Foundation in Astronomy
Born into a Punjabi Hindu family, she excelled in academia, eventually earning a PhD in Space Physics from Imperial College London. She pivoted to journalism, honing her craft at City, University of London to bridge the gap between hard data and human interest.
From 'The Times' to 'The Spike'
Ahuja’s career is anchored by 16 years at The Times, where her weekly "Science Notebook" became essential reading. Today, as a contributing writer for the Financial Times, she tackles everything from artificial intelligence to climate policy. Her most significant recent work, the 2021 bestseller Spike: The Virus Vs. The People, co-authored with Sir Jeremy Farrar, offered a definitive "inside story" of the COVID-19 pandemic and was shortlisted for the prestigious Orwell Prize.
Voice of the Public Interest
Whether appearing as a commentator on BBC Newsnight or advising the Royal Society, Ahuja’s mission remains constant: making science relevant to social policy. Her accolades, including Science Commentator of the Year, reflect a career dedicated to clarity. As a trustee for Sense about Science, she continues to ensure that evidence remains at the heart of public debate.
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