The Max Planck Institute for the History of Science is excited to welcome Thomas Lewton as Journalist in Residence from April to June 2025!

Thomas Lewton is a science journalist and editor based in London. They are a commissioning features editor at New Scientist, the world's most popular science magazine, where they cover physics, neuroscience, technology, and the environment. In their journalism they scratch a lifelong itch trying to figure out how we came to be where we are now—from the Big Bang, to the origin of life and the emergence of consciousness. 

Thomas originally studied physics, thinking that telescopes and particle colliders would offer answers, but instead they raised more questions: Is a theory of everything even possible? Does the scientific method get anywhere close to truth? And, perhaps critically, how do the practices and institutions of science need to change if we’re going to create a liveable future? Thomas also leads investigations at Eco-Bot.Net, which reveals the extent and methods of climate change disinformation online, in collaboration with Oxford University's Climate Litigation Lab. 

During their time at the MPIWG, Thomas will be based in the Department 
“Artifacts, Action, Knowledge” where they will work on the project "Bringing Astrophysics 'Down to Earth': a Cosmopolitics of Astronomy and Indigenous Worlds” as well as deliver a practical journalism training workshop to MPIWG members.