Do you need a #PhD to be a #ScienceWriter?

It's a question I get asked many times by prospective science writers/communicators in . Many people have tried to answer this, but here's what I think -

Fellow #ScienceWriters, do add your thoughts.

#scicomm #sciencewriting

Personally, I do not have a Ph.D. in science. I graduated as an engineer with a Master's degree. Got into science writing by accident, but enjoying it so far! I have written in many areas of science but I probably won't do a good job with eng-based stories coz of my familiarity.

At @sciresmatters, my team has editors and writers with and without PhDs. But, all of them have a degree in science (not that a person without a science degree can't write science). Honestly, the degree does not make much of a difference in the writing IMO. However, a PhD can:

a. Give you the confidence to read, understand, and weave a story around your area of research.
b. Give you more in-depth insights into the different angles to a story without having to try too much (coz, you know the field)
c. Provide know-how of research (pains and gains)

d. Give you options to pursue many careers (cos scicomm/science writing in India is new and does not pay too well ATM)
e. Your bio on your story looks cool! At times, builds "credibility" to the story, cos some think outsiders to the field can't do a good job! I disagree
But...

a. Your familiarity with the field may make questions that a layperson may have, invisible to you.
b. My fav opening during interviews—"I am no expert in this field"—may not work for you! I can ask some really stupid Qs with it!
PhD or no PhD, here's what you *will* need IMO:

* A passion for (a unique style helps)
* A deep interest in science (catching up with the latest through, , , )
* Reading and understanding research papers and the scientific process
* Building a network to share thoughts, learn, seek and provide support

* A better grip on a few areas of science (if you want to have a specific beat) and an understanding of the broader context of where this research stands.
* Spotting the diff between what is "important" in your view and what is "newsworthy". Try to build a story that's both.

*Be willing to read the necessary background for your stories. Sometimes, covering one research paper may mean reading many to get the grip. It may also mean talking to many people. One cannot have a PhD in all areas of science, so there will be a steep learning curve at times.

*Catch up with the evolving art of science writing. Everyone's approach is diff and helps to know how they crack it. My go-to resource is @Open_Notebook. There are many books and courses on writing in the sciences. Writing is a skill you constantly build on, like all others.

*Be ready to accept feedback on your writing. You may have the best story written acc. to you, but your editor may have a different view. Having worked with a few editors, I say feedback helps immensely. Some great advice here by @edyong https://edyong.me/new-page 

In India, #ScienceWriting is slowly picking up. There are a few media houses that publish regular science content. Good news: New ones are popping up, the tribe is growing.
The not-so-good news: No science writers' org for mentorship or networks, low pay, few full-time careers.

At @SciResMatters we don't decide on commissioning a story based on the degrees a writer has. It is all about the story and the writing.
For comfort, do check out some of the best science writers in India and elsewhere. You will be surprised to know how many (don't) have a PhD!