I'm a science writer and editor who blends research with storytelling. I've contributed to Nature Outlooks, Science, Nature Middle East, Nature Asia Pacific, Nautilus, Smithsonian.com, BBC Focus, SciDev.net, and I've also created video explainers and researcher profiles. I live in Helsinki and work as a freelance writer and communications professional. I hold a PhD in plant biology from the University of Helsinki and have spent years translating complex biology into accessible science journalism and educational content for diverse audiences. My background spans blogging and science education to editorial roles for Springer Nature and university communications, always aiming to balance scientific rigor with clear, engaging storytelling.

Sedeer el-Showk

I'm a science writer and editor who blends research with storytelling. I've contributed to Nature Outlooks, Science, Nature Middle East, Nature Asia Pacific, Nautilus, Smithsonian.com, BBC Focus, SciDev.net, and I've also created video explainers and researcher profiles. I live in Helsinki and work as a freelance writer and communications professional. I hold a PhD in plant biology from the University of Helsinki and have spent years translating complex biology into accessible science journalism and educational content for diverse audiences. My background spans blogging and science education to editorial roles for Springer Nature and university communications, always aiming to balance scientific rigor with clear, engaging storytelling.

Available to hire

I’m a science writer and editor who blends research with storytelling. I’ve contributed to Nature Outlooks, Science, Nature Middle East, Nature Asia Pacific, Nautilus, Smithsonian.com, BBC Focus, SciDev.net, and I’ve also created video explainers and researcher profiles. I live in Helsinki and work as a freelance writer and communications professional.

I hold a PhD in plant biology from the University of Helsinki and have spent years translating complex biology into accessible science journalism and educational content for diverse audiences. My background spans blogging and science education to editorial roles for Springer Nature and university communications, always aiming to balance scientific rigor with clear, engaging storytelling.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
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Language

English
Fluent
Arabic
Fluent
French
Fluent
Finnish
Advanced
Swedish
Intermediate
German
Beginner
Russian
Beginner

Work Experience

Freelance writer
January 1, 2013 - November 27, 2025
Wrote articles for Nature Outlooks, Science, Nature Middle East, Nature Asia Pacific, Nautilus, Smithsonian.com, BBC Focus, SciDev.net; created video scripts and researcher profiles; contributed to blogs Inspiring Science and Accumulating Glitches.
Communications specialist at Aalto University
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2024
Developed and coordinated communications strategies for science and research.
Freelance editor at Nature Research Custom Media (Springer Nature)
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2021
Editing biology manuscripts written by non-native speakers.
Freelance editor at TopEdit
August 1, 2018 - August 1, 2018
Editing biology manuscripts written by non-native speakers.
Blog manager at Scitable network, Nature Education
November 1, 2015 - November 1, 2015
Managed and contributed to Scitable network blogs.
Intern at BBC Focus magazine
October 31, 2013 - October 31, 2013
Editorial internship.
Manager & Researcher at The Farm, Morocco
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2005
Ran a farm with a tissue culture lab and nursery.

Education

PhD at University of Helsinki, Faculty of Biosciences
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2016
MSc at University of Helsinki, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2008
BSc at University of California, Berkeley, Genetics and Plant Biology
January 1, 1997 - January 1, 2001

Qualifications

EMBO Short-term fellowship
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2010
FGSPB PhD fellowship
January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009
Best Poster award, Annual Spring Symposium, University of Helsinki
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2007
Leiden Open – Debating competition
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2007
Leiden Open – Team ranking
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2007

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Life Sciences, Education, Professional Services

Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
See more