Popular Science Editorial Standards

Table of Contents

Mission

Popular Science has been demystifying the worlds of science and technology since 1872. We explain the inner workings of the phone in your pocket, explore world-changing innovations, and examine everything from the marvels of deep space to the secret lives of staples like bread. We deliver an engaging, approachable, and inclusive look at emerging technologies and scientific advances. Popular Science unpacks the science behind the top headlines, dissects the latest technology, and helps readers live smarter, safer, and happier through clever DIY projects.

As one of the oldest continuously published media brands in the world, Popular Science has been distilling and disseminating the world of science and technology for more than 150 years. We make the abstract approachable, because we believe innovation is for everyone and that science and technology are funnels to a better world. We’re as excited about the technologies that will shape our future as we are curious about how everything from new medicines to semiconductors are impacting life right now.

Objectivity, Transparency, and Ethics

Readers have been turning to Popular Science for reliable and relatable looks at scientific topics both complex and routine since our founding. We take maintaining their trust in our advice, insights, and recommendations seriously. Decisions about what to cover sit solely with the editorial team; members of our sales, marketing, investment, ownership, or other teams have no influence over the editorial work we put on the site. Similarly, advertisers and affiliate partners—through whom we make commissions via product links on the site—in no way dictate the products we recommend or any other facet of our content.  

We promise to disclose any potential conflicts that may influence coverage. We require our editorial teams (both full-time and freelance) to be up front about relationships they have that could sway coverage. No one on the Popular Science editorial team has any financial connection in the companies we cover. When we participate in junkets—i.e. trips paid for by companies to get access to their products or news—we disclose when a company has footed the bill for us. 

If we earn a commission through one of our product review links, we will disclose this. Our product reviews and recommendations are solely guided by our expertise, research, and experience. Furthermore, any branded or sponsored content will be clearly labeled, and any staff involvement in making that content will be made clear.

Accuracy and Accountability

The Popular Science editorial team is committed to delivering the most accurate and up-to-date news, features, analysis, and recommendations possible to our readers. Every story we publish—from a piece of stunning space news to a “best of” roundup of the latest gear—passes through at least one editor, who’s responsible for ensuring the quality and accuracy of the content. In some instances, an independent fact-checker will verify all of the statements in a story. 

We recognize that errors do happen—and we take them seriously. When a reader or source raises an issue with something we’ve published, an editor will re-check the proposed change against our sourcing, consult additional resources as needed, and determine if it’s necessary to issue a correction. If warranted, we’ll update the relevant passages in the text and insert a note disclosing the error in the story itself.  

To make sure we’re delivering the absolute best and most scientifically up-to-date information in our stories, we’ll often update our articles. In these instances, we’ll always note that the article’s content has been updated and note the original publish date.

AI Policy

Since 1872, humans have written and edited Popular Science. This continues today and we prohibit the use of generative AI in creating content. 

We don’t use AI for: 

  • Original writing, reporting, or editing
    Humans write, report, and edit all stories, reviews, advice, and recommendations you see on Popular Science. Generative AI is not used for creating content.
  • Product testing or recommendations
    While conducting hands-on testing of products, AI tools are not employed. AI is also not used to generate product recommendations and ratings. Human experts perform all reviews.
  • Photos or videos
    Our staff photographers and videographers or members of our editorial team capture our images and videos. We also use third-party images and videos from vendors, universities, museums, or other sources, and appropriately credit those originators.

    Experimentation with generative AI for conceptual illustrations may be used with disclosure.

We might use AI for (with human oversight): 

  • Testing and evaluating AI Products for review.
    We test and evaluate AI tools like chatbots and image and video generators. In those cases, we may publish AI-generated text, images, or videos as examples of their capability and to compare results among similar products.
  • Transcription and note-taking
  • Streamlining information and large data sets
  • Brainstorming story ideas, sources, story packaging
  • Data gathering
    In specific, limited cases (e.g., gathering speed, pricing, and availability from proprietary databases), AI assists may be used, with human review, fact-checking, and subject matter expertise added. Such instances will include clear disclosure.

This policy applies to work produced by the editorial team; content from external advertising partners or third-party business partners are not subject to these editorial policies.

Our Team

EDITORIAL

Contributors Margherita Bassi, Clarissa Brincat, Jennifer Byrne, Dan Carney, Mack DeGeurin, Bill Gourgey, Sarah Hall, Tom Hawking, Laura Kiniry, RJ Mackenzie, Alisha McDarris, David Nield, Justin Pot, Debbie Wolfe

OPERATIONS & COMMERCE

  • Executive Editor, Gear & Reviews: Stan Horaczek 
  • Associate Managing Editor: Tony Ware
  • Associate Audience Development Manager: Cole Paxton

Contributors John Alexander, Bob Beacham, Chris Coke, Abby Ferguson, Nick Hilden, Sarah Jones, Heather Marie Kuldell-Ware, Vinny Panza, Curtis Silver, Terri Williams