Nick Peel
Freelance science communications consultant, writer and editor.
When I was 16, a science teacher got me hooked on biology and I haven't looked back. They showed me that science was about finding things out, rather than just learning facts.Â
​
As a freelance communications consultant, writer and editor, I bring that inquisitive approach to all my projects. And I love working with research organisations and scientists to help shape their story online. I live in Vancouver, BC, Canada but I can work with clients in lots of places.
​
I have 15 years' experience developing digital content strategies, writing, editing and producing digital content for health, science and policy organisations. This includes leading digital communication teams at two of the world's biggest charitable funders of medical research - Cancer Research UK and Wellcome.
​
Before spending my time communicating about science I was a scientist. I have a PhD in Molecular Cell Biology from University College London, where I studied how cells move.
Career and skills as a communication consultant
My research focused on signals that help cells move, complemented by developing my public engagement and science communication skills through my funder, Cancer Research UK. I regularly represented the charity at major events like Race for Life, delivered institute tours and lab demonstrations for supporters, wrote conference reports for my institute as well as my own blog and advised students on scientific careers.
2009-2013
University College London
Molecular Cell Biology PhD
Senior Science Media Officer
Science Media Officer
I wrote, edited, and commissioned content for the award-winning Cancer Research UK Science Blog, while overseeing timely and accurate news coverage of the latest cancer research for the main news feed. Alongside writing and editing core articles, I promoted science and charity communications across social channels and managed the production of multimedia content, including video and animation.
Cancer Research UK
2013-2016
Senior News and Content Manager
Cancer Research UK
I delivered proactive and reactive science, health and policy news across owned, earned, and paid channels while serving as overall editor for major digital platforms, including the award-winning Cancer Research UK News site. I led multimedia news production — ranging from video and animation to data visualisation — and directed content strategy, user research and digital channel development. I also acted as a media spokesperson, managed daily brand reputation and coached senior leaders and international researchers to elevate expert commentary across channels.
2016-2019
Social Media Editor
Wellcome Trust
I built and led and Wellcome's first centralised social media team, establishing new social media strategy, launching channels and embedding data-informed decision making. I led the organisation's social media output during the Covid-19 pandemic, including advising senior leadership on digital engagement during the crisis.Â
2019-2021
Digital Content and Social Media Lead
Wellcome Trust
As the leader of Wellcome’s first integrated digital content and social media team, I developed content strategies across organic social, web and email to expand the organisation’s reach and global influence. I oversaw all content operations, budgets and production — combining in-house creation with agency commissioning — while establishing accessibility best practices. Serving as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, I curated expert thought leadership, managed online brand risk and continuously refined performance using a data-driven, test-and-learn approach.
2021-2026
Freelance Communications Consultant
2026 to present
As a digital content strategy consultant, writer and editor with 15 years' experience backed up by a life sciences PhD I help science and research organisations engage their audiences online.