The Visionary Who Transformed Science Journalism
The world of science communication has lost one of its most influential figures with the passing of Michael Kenward at age 80. As editor of New Scientist magazine from 1979 to 1990, Kenward played a pivotal role in making complex scientific concepts accessible to the general public during an era when many scientists remained deeply suspicious of media coverage.
Revolutionising New Scientist
When Kenward took the helm in 1979, New Scientist was regarded as distinguished and authoritative but primarily served as the house journal of Britain's scientific community. Building upon changes initiated by his predecessor Bernard Dixon, Kenward embarked on a radical transformation that would see the publication's circulation soar dramatically.
His approach combined a determination to make every article comprehensible to non-specialist readers with an acute appreciation for the power of design and illustration. Under his leadership, the magazine became celebrated for its illustrated covers, earning industry accolades including the 1987 British Society of Magazine Editors award for sustained excellence.
Kenward also maintained the magazine's tradition of featuring work from celebrated cartoonists like Bill Tidy and David Austin, while positioning New Scientist as a vocal campaigner for British science during what many perceived as the threatening years of Margaret Thatcher's government.
A Lifelong Commitment to Science Communication
Born in Brighton to Ronald Kenward, a toolmaker, and Phyllis (née Ridley), Michael spent his early years in Lewes, East Sussex before his family relocated to Bermondsey in south London. After his father left, Phyllis single-handedly raised Michael and his younger brother Malcolm while working in the finance department of Crosse & Blackwell.
His educational journey took him to Woolverstone Hall, a state-funded boarding school for underprivileged children, followed by physics studies at the newly established University of Sussex. Graduating in 1966, he spent three years as a fusion researcher at Culham Laboratory (now Culham Centre for Fusion Energy) in Oxfordshire.
After a brief editing role at the British Scientific Instrument Research Association, Kenward joined New Scientist as assistant technology editor in 1969, ascending to the editor's chair a decade later in 1979.
His innovative approach extended to staffing decisions, notably hiring the author of his obituary as chief subeditor in 1983 - a bold move for a publication that had never previously employed subeditors.
Lasting Legacy in Science Advocacy
Kenward's influence reached far beyond the pages of New Scientist. He became a founding member of the Committee on the Public Understanding of Science in 1985, established jointly by the British Association for the Advancement of Science, the Royal Institution and the Royal Society.
His contributions were formally recognised in 1990 when he was awarded an OBE, the same year he departed from New Scientist.
Post-New Scientist, Kenward continued his mission to bridge science and public understanding through work with numerous publications including the Sunday Times and Science Business news service. For two decades, he served on the editorial board of the Royal Society of Engineering's quarterly journal, Ingenia.
He conducted his freelance work from his home in Staplefield, West Sussex, where he lived with his wife Liz (née Rice), a social worker whom he married in 1969. He is survived by Liz and his brother Malcolm.
Reflecting on his career at the time of his departure from New Scientist, Kenward captured his lifelong philosophy: I've tried to get the media interested in science. Someone has to campaign for science to be treated as part of life. Through his transformative work, he ensured that science would indeed become an integral part of public discourse for generations to come.
