• BSc Hons Pharmacology, 1974, University of Leeds, UK
• PhD, 1983,  University of Leeds, UK
• 1976 – 1984 Teaching and Research Fellowships in the Departments of Biochemistry and Pathology, University of Leeds
• 1984 – 1992 Editor, Trends in Pharmacological Sciences. Tutor in Pharmacology at University of Cambridge
• 1992 – 2019 Senior European Correspondent for Nature, Munich Office, with responsibility for writing news, features, and editorials, and contributing to the science-in-culture pages. Main subject areas: neuroscience, genetics-genomics, physiology, science policy in Europe, arts and science.
 
• April 2019 – to date. Freelance Journalist and Consultant, Nature

Honours and awards

• 2009 Euroscience Science Writers Award.
• 2015 Medical Journalists Association Award
• 2018 ABSW Science Journalist of the Year award, category Features.
• 2019 ABSW European Science Journalist of the Year award, category Print & Online.