Tegan Taylor

As ABC Science's health editor, Taylor specializes in making complex medical and scientific concepts accessible to general audiences. Her work spans:

  • Primary beats: Public health policy, medical research translation, pandemic preparedness
  • Platform expertise: Podcasting (Coronacast), radio (Health Report), long-form digital features
  • Awards: Walkley Award (2020), Eureka Prize for Science Journalism (2021)

Pitching Priorities

  • Localized data: Australian-specific findings with national policy implications
  • Expert access: Researchers available for multi-platform interviews (radio/podcast/digital)
  • Visual storytelling: Proposals including infographic or interactive elements

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More About Tegan Taylor

Bio

Career Trajectory: From Local Reporting to National Trusted Voice

Tegan Taylor built her career through methodical science communication, beginning as a newspaper reporter before joining ABC's national digital newsdesk. Her transition to ABC Science in 2016 marked a turning point, where she developed signature explanatory reporting techniques seen in:

  • Daily COVID-19 coverage reaching 1M+ listeners during peak pandemic years
  • Multi-platform health reporting across radio, podcasts, and digital features
  • Complex policy analysis including the 2025 National Education Funding reforms

Defining Works

Coronacast: Your questions about coronavirus answered

This daily podcast became Australia's primary source for evidence-based pandemic information, distinguishing itself through:

  • Audience-driven question selection prioritizing frontline worker concerns
  • Collaborative hosting with Dr. Norman Swan combining medical expertise and science journalism
  • Rapid response to emerging variants with explainers translated into 8 community languages
"We're not just translating medical jargon - we're rebuilding trust in science communication during a generational crisis."

The science of sweat and the rise of 'natural' deodorants

Taylor's investigative piece combined consumer science with cultural analysis:

  • Lab-tested 23 "natural" deodorant products against clinical standards
  • Interviewed dermatologists and cultural anthropologists about body odor perceptions
  • Tracked 200% increase in natural deodorant marketing claims since 2020

Beat Analysis: Strategic Pitching Guide

Focus on Practical Applications of Research

Taylor prioritizes studies with clear public health implications. Her coverage of the University of Queensland's sweat biomarker research (2024) demonstrated how she translates lab findings into prevention strategies for chronic diseases.

Data Visualization Opportunities

Successful pitches include interactive elements, like her ABC Science explainer on mRNA vaccine development that used scroll-based animation to show cellular processes. Partner with graphic designers when proposing complex stories.

Awards and Industry Recognition

2020 Walkley Award for Radio/Audio News

The Coronacast team received Australia's highest journalism honor for their 187 consecutive days of pandemic coverage, judged as "redefining science communication under pressure." The Walkley Foundation particularly noted Taylor's ability to maintain rigor while simplifying complex epidemiological models.

Top Articles

Coronacast: Your questions about coronavirus answered

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