2024/11/21

Ruairi Mackenzie, scientific journalist in residence at CIC bioGUNE for the FRONTIERS Program

CIC bioGUNE, member of BRTA, is excited to welcome Ruairi James Mackenzie, an independent science journalist from Glasgow, as part of the FRONTIERS residency program, an initiative of the European Research Council (ERC). This program offers journalists the opportunity to immerse themselves in leading research institutions, fostering collaboration between science and the media.

The goal of the FRONTIERS program is to promote closer collaboration between journalists and scientists, enhancing the understanding and dissemination of the latest scientific advances. During his residency at CIC bioGUNE, Mackenzie will work closely with the research teams at the center, participating in their daily activities and creating content that highlights the groundbreaking biomedical research conducted at the institution.

Mackenzie, who has an extensive background in science journalism, has written about biological sciences and rare diseases for renowned outlets such as The Scientist, Science News Explores, and National Geographic. Throughout his career, he has covered scientific advances in diseases like metachromatic leukodystrophy and other neurodegenerative conditions, with a particular interest in how scientific innovations can transform the treatment of rare diseases.

“I’m excited to join CIC bioGUNE and explore the advances in rare disease research being carried out here, which addresses everything from molecular foundations to innovative treatments,” says Mackenzie. “My goal is to tell these stories in an accessible and thoughtful way, contributing to the understanding of how basic research is helping change the lives of those affected by these diseases.”

Mackenzie’s residency is part of the first round of the FRONTIERS program, which selected only seven journalists and their respective institutions to participate in this edition. This program aims to support journalistic independence, allowing journalists to work autonomously while immersing themselves in the world of scientific research.

“I’ll be in the Administration Office on the first floor of building 801, but if you see me around – short hair, glasses, speaking broken Spanish with a Scottish accent – don’t hesitate to stop and chat. I’d love to hear more about your work and what motivates you to study these fascinating frontiers of science. I also hope to share some of my communication experience later in the year,” highlights Mackenzie.

You can read more information about the FRONTIERS Project here.

About CIC bioGUNE
The Cooperative Research Centre in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), a member of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), located in the Bizkaia Technology Park, is a biomedical research organization conducting cutting-edge research at the interface of structural, molecular, and cellular biology, with a particular focus on generating knowledge about the molecular foundations of diseases, for use in the development of new diagnostic methods and advanced therapies.

About BRTA
BRTA is an alliance of 4 collaborative research centers (CIC bioGUNE, CIC nanoGUNE, CIC biomaGUNE, and CIC energiGUNE) and 13 technology centers (Azterlan, Azti, Ceit, Cidetec, Gaiker, Ideko, Ikerlan, Leartiker, Lortek, Neiker, Tecnalia, Tekniker, and Vicomtech) with the main goal of developing advanced technological solutions for the Basque business sector.
With the support of the Basque Government, the SPRI Group, and the Foral Councils of the three territories, the alliance aims to promote collaboration among research centers, strengthen the conditions for generating and transferring knowledge to companies, contributing to their competitiveness, and promoting the Basque scientific-technological capacity abroad.
BRTA employs 3,500 professionals, accounts for 22% of R&D investment in the Basque Country, generates annual revenues of over 300 million euros, and files 100 European and international patents per year.

Spanish version