What 40 years as Observer science editor has taught Robin McKie

Science Weekly

The Guardian

Science

4.2 • 938 Ratings

🗓️ 15 April 2025

⏱️ 22 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Robin McKie reflects on his 40 years as science editor for the Observer and tells Madeleine Finlay about the game-changing discoveries and scientific controversies that he’s reported on during that time. He describes how the discovery of the structure of DNA revolutionised science, what he learned about misinformation from the HIV/AIDS pandemic and why cold fusion and the millennium bug failed to live up to their hype.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0	This is The Guardian.
0:02.0	Do you dream of discovering rugged coastlines, lush landscapes and lively city markets,
0:15.7	then sail from Portsmouth or Plymouth directly to Santander with Brittany Ferries and experience Spain like never before.
0:23.0	Wind through the city's charming streets before sampling Santander's succulent fresh seafood.
0:28.3	Trace your way through history at the Palacio de Magdalena, then absorb the panoramic views of the white sand bays.
0:34.8	Reimagined your Spanish adventure and visit the Guardian.com forward
0:38.6	slash Brittany Ferries Cantabria. This message was paid for by Brittany Ferries.
0:44.2	The Brit school is nurturing the next generation of breakthrough talent. Like me,
0:48.9	2024 graduate, rapper and stillpan player, Ramaya. My sound is old school hip-hop with a new twist.
0:55.4	I write lyrics that explore tough life experiences
0:57.5	with melodies from my Caribbean culture.
1:00.1	Thanks to the Britschool and MasterCard,
1:01.7	I'm turning dreams of becoming an artist into my future.
1:05.1	To find out more about MasterCard's work with the Britschew,
1:07.7	visit mastercard.com.uk slash Brits.
1:10.3	This message was paid for by MasterCard.
1:16.3	I've sailed the Northwest Passage. I've shaken flippers with a humpback whale.
1:24.6	That's Robin McKee, outgoing Science and Environment Editor for The Observer,
1:29.2	the world's oldest Sunday newspaper.
1:32.4	I once went to an Antarctic station, and I took them a bottle of 16-year-old Scottish
1:37.8	malt whiskey.
1:38.8	And they went, oh, that's great.
	...

Please login to see the full transcript.

Previous episode | Next episode

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from The Guardian, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of The Guardian and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.