Dr Francis Sedgemore is a journalist, writer, editor and communications consultant who covers many and various topics, including but not limited to science, engineering, technology, policy, education and the arts.
Currently living in the east of England, Francis was raised in New Zealand and Ireland, and has spent much of his adult life in continental Europe. Until 2003 he was a research scientist and university teacher specialising in atmospheric and space physics.
Focussing now on science journalism and communication, and with experience ranging from research papers and other technical documents to journalistic feature articles and news reports, Francis has worked in academic publishing, magazines, newsletters and online media. As a journalist and communications consultant his clients have included science and engineering publishers, general news media, government and third sector organisations.
Francis is an active member of the National Union of Journalists, and an accredited trade union negotiator. Its name notwithstanding, the NUJ is an international body representing writers, editors, photographers and broadcasters in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, with pockets of activity in continental Europe. Francis chairs the union’s Freelance Industrial Council, and is a trustee and vice-chair of the charity NUJ Extra.
In addition to his work as a journalist, Francis cycles, walks, runs, reads literature, rings bells (tower and hand-bell change ringing), and plays soprano saxophone.
Francis lives in the parish of Royston, on the intersection between the ancient thoroughfares of Ermine Street and the Icknield Way.