Much of science journalism focuses on newsy reports of single studies, resulting in a steady barrage of small slices of oftentimes conflicting information, which makes it difficult for the reader to grasp the true state of knowledge on a given subject.
Knowable Magazine takes a different approach. With every piece we publish, we aim to dig deep into the scientific literature — not merely the latest finding — enabling readers to better understand what’s known and what isn’t. We lay out where there is consensus and where there is ongoing debate, and we explain where real-world applications may be close at hand — or far in the future. We approach every topic with a skeptical eye, supplement the text with clear, eye-pleasing graphics and original, conceptual art, and intensely edit so that the results are accessible and engaging.
The Covid-19 pandemic, rise of online misinformation and looming threat of climate change all underscore the desperate need for trustworthy and compelling science journalism. Knowable Magazine brings fact-checked, expert knowledge to the fore.
Knowable covers a broad array of scientific disciplines, from particle physics and virology to public health, economics, sociology and more. To best serve our audience, we use a wide range of formats, including long-form features, explainers, Q&As, expert-written commentaries, videos, podcast episodes and comics. We produce a live online events series, wherein experts in a range of disciplines join us — along with hundreds of viewers from around the world — for energetic conversations.
To support our work, Knowable has secured funding from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. Funding for coronavirus coverage was provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
Knowable Magazine is published by Annual Reviews, a nonprofit publisher dedicated to synthesizing and integrating knowledge for the progress of science and the benefit of society.
Some examples:
• We continued to produce an online event series; topics included bilingualism, vaccine equity, conspiracy theories, science of sleep, viral variants and mass incarceration.
• We compiled photography and multimedia along with insights from leading museum scholars and an originally commissioned illustration to explore how the future history of the pandemic was curated in real time.
• We collaborated with The Nib to develop a compelling, accessible explainer on the rise of catalytic converter theft.
• We published Season 2 of our science history podcast, exploring the deep history of topics such as the science of the dreaming brain and the discovery of planets outside our solar system.
• We continued to develop short documentaries featuring scientists across disciplines explaining key aspects of the Covid-19 pandemic https://knowablemagazine.org/video
We were recently awarded:
• American Society of Journalists and Authors’ Excellence in Reporting
• The Newswomen’s Club of New York Front Page Awards for best Science/Technology reporting
• Folio Eddie and Ozzie Awards 2021 Winners for Series of articles — “Consumer, News, Science & Technology, General Interest” and “Illustration — Consumer”
We will be featured in the Best American Science and Nature Writing 2022
