So how did I end up writing for CYBR.
Really it was just me being plucky enough to ask.
CYBR issue 1 had just released, and if was exciting for the design and visuals, and I saw a chance to write for the magazine and just applied, pushing my background as a writer - both freelance and published papers - and as a public communicator thanks to a variety of events I have spoken at and teaching.
My first article was about Quantum Computing, and tackling the tricky topic of how we use quantum entangled bits for computing, cryptography, and solving traditional computational chemistry problems. Working with my editor, James Joseph, there was a good amount of back and forth to get the text just write so that a lay reader could understand this complex topic.
Following on from that initial article in issue 2, I've had the pleasure of writing for every issue and increasing the amount that I contribute to the magazine. I've written last-minute articles about CRISPR - the gene-editing technology - while on a flight to an interview, and I looked at the technologies underpinning the next step towards nuclear fusion power.
Perhaps the hardest work James and I had to do was altering issue 5, as the pandemic struck, to address this world-changing event. We looked at making the virus a focus for the issue, filling social media with information about how viruses and vaccines work, while filling the pages of CYBR with articles about how we can use their chemistry to create new materials and the dangers of tracking applications used to trace carriers.
Perhaps that is what CYBR is good at, looking at the future with hope while acknowledging the hurdles. But rather than letting that get us down, we seek out those stories where innovators are addressing those concerns. As a scientist, and now senior writer, I am also keen to ensure that the content of CYBR is factual and informative. Not pseudo-science nonsense, or hyped up editorials based on poor interpretations of science papers. I get to combine my skills as a researcher, communicator and writer. And the future for CYBR is just about to really take off thanks to issue 6.
Issue 6 was perhaps our landmark issue so far, as James got us access to Cyberpunk 2077, and thanks to my interest in tabletop RPGs, and writing for games, it enabled us to write an interesting and unique interview with Mike Pondsmith (creator of Cyberpunk) and Grimes (musician, and voice actor for the computer game character Lizzy Wizzy). Coupled with Jame's awesome hustling to get the cover image, the AR cover tech, and more, this issue was both about Cyberpunk, yet still retained some real science as we addressed the dangers of e-waste. Even the theme of the issue, beyond Cyberpunk, was my idea - REFORMAT.
Writing for CYBR is always interesting, as it is clear that I, James, and our other contributors have different technology interests, that can combine to create engaging media that is not just another WIRED, or similar magazine. It is for this reason, the next issue, issue 7 - OFF_WORLD - retains the same drive and energy, the sense of "cool" and what is "futuristic" while ground with some solid science and technology.
- Chris
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