Essays from the Editors
Richard Gallagher, current editor of The Scientist, reflects on how far we've come and where we're headed in the years ahead. Read his essay.
Barbara Spector, editor of The Scientist from 1995 to 1998, recalls a period of excitement and transition. Read her essay now. Read her essay now.
Tabitha Powledge, who served as The Scientist's first editor, reflects on the publication's beginnings in Washington, DC, and its reception by the scientific and publishing communities.
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Camaraderie and commitment: 1995-98 By Barbara Spector
Late-night issue closings. "Futures list" meetings. Headlines, deadlines and (until we transitioned to computer-to-plate printing) bluelines. These are among my memories from my years as The Scientist's editor (1995-98).
Those years were a time of change for the publication. Eugene Garfield, true to his mission as a facilitator of scientific collaboration, was the driving force behind our archives' move to the Internet. Associate publisher Al Dorof spearheaded the modernization of our computer system. No longer were we tied to a "sneakernet" system of editing (floppy disks carried across the room from the reporter's computer to the editor's); now we had a network!
Creative director D. Joy Kerschner led our transition from newsprint to glossy paper. We were still a tabloid newspaper back then, but our front page featured full color -- and a new logo.
Among the editorial staff, there was a sense of great potential. Our communal goal was to build recognition for the publication and carve out our own niche in the crowded field of science publishing. Our staff -- some trained as scientists, some veteran journalists -- contributed exciting ideas and unique perspectives that enhanced our coverage. Many of our friendships and professional connections continue to this day. Among our talented writer/editors were Franklin Hoke, Karen Young Kreeger, Thomas W. Durso and Paul Smaglik. Managing editor Phil Beck and his successor in the post, Audra Albert, pored over our copy with great care and helped all of us become better writers. Standout freelance contributors included Ricki Lewis, Robert Finn, Billy Goodman and Myrna E. Watanabe.
One high point was nationally syndicated columnist Jack Anderson's citation of Watanabe's article on radiation poisoning in medical labs in 1996. A year later, an opinion piece was cited in the Washington Post on April 14, 1997.
Hot topics in our pages included the rise of electronic publishing; the proliferation of apoptosis research; and science in the media. Our extensive coverage of science careers included a special issue. Tom Durso had a perceptive Q&A with Sen. Bill Frist.
Most rewarding of all, we had the opportunity to converse with those who were at the forefront of scientific discovery -- the leaders of science. Barbara Spector is now the editor-in-chief of Family Business Magazine.
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