Nicholas Wade

Nicholas Wade

Name	Nicholas Wade
Birth name
Birth date	1942
Birth place	Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England
Death date
Death place
Alma mater
Occupation	Science journalist, Author
Years active
Organization
Known for
Notable works	A Troublesome Inheritance
Spouse(s)
Website

Nicholas Wade (born 1942) is a British science journalist and author known for his work in science writing and his controversial views on genetics and race. He has worked for several prominent publications, including Nature, Science, and The New York Times.

Early Life and Education

Nicholas Wade was born in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England in 1942. He attended Eton College, one of the most prestigious schools in the UK, and later went on to study at King's College, Cambridge, where he earned a degree in natural sciences.

Career

Wade began his career in science journalism at Nature, where he served as a deputy editor. He later moved to Science, where he worked as a news editor. In 1982, Wade joined The New York Times as a science reporter, a position he held for over two decades. During his tenure at The New York Times, Wade covered a wide range of topics, including genetics, evolution, and biotechnology.

Controversial Views and Publications

Wade is perhaps best known for his book A Troublesome Inheritance: Genes, Race and Human History, published in 2014. In this book, Wade argues that genetic differences between human populations have played a significant role in shaping the course of human history. The book was met with significant criticism from the scientific community, with many researchers arguing that Wade's interpretations of genetic data were flawed and that his conclusions were not supported by the evidence.

Criticism and Response

Following the publication of A Troublesome Inheritance, Wade faced criticism from numerous scientists and academics. A group of 139 geneticists published a letter in The New York Times disputing Wade's claims and stating that his book misrepresented their research. Wade defended his work, arguing that he was raising important questions about the role of genetics in human history.

Legacy and Impact

Despite the controversy surrounding his work, Wade has been a significant figure in science journalism, known for his ability to communicate complex scientific ideas to a general audience. His work has sparked important discussions about the intersection of genetics, race, and society.

Also see

• Genetics
• Race and intelligence
• Human evolution
• Science journalism