the long version

Hello. I'm Hayley, a freelance science writer and editor based in Bristol, UK. I've been working as a freelance writer for over 17 years now, publishing hundreds (and possibly thousands!) of articles in magazines like the BBC's Science Focus, New Scientist, Chemistry World and Significance, as well as other publications including The Guardian, Nature, Science Uncovered and Education in Chemistry. I've also written and edited popular science books and educational resources, scripted and recorded podcasts, and put together in-depth reports on cutting-edge scientific research for policymakers.

My interests span biology, chemistry, health, tech and the environment, and I've written about everything from the origin of life to the latest AI advances. My writing appears regularly online and in print.

For a number of years, I was on the team for the European Commission's Science For Environment Policy, covering environmental research and putting together in-depth reports for policymakers. More recently, I have spent time working with the communications team at The Alan Turing Institute, on stories about data science.

Now that I have two small humans to look after, I split my time between chasing them around and writing, working mostly on longer-term projects such as feature articles.

I completed my biology degree in 2004 at the University of Warwick. In 2006, I was awarded an Association of British Science Writers bursary to study science communication at master's level. I received the Richard Gregory Prize for Science Communication in 2009.

I'm interested in creative science communication and was previously involved in public engagement projects including a comedy club for scientific speakers, a clay placenta modelling workshop and a virtual festival of science-inspired music. These days, I'm using any spare time I have to improve my photography skills.

Outside of working hours, I run, knit, cook, drink way too many flat whites, and try to persuade my kids to spend less time on screens and more time outdoors.

This website is currently under reconstruction and will eventually contain examples of my work but, in the meantime, you can drop me an email at hayleymbennett [at] gmail.com :)