We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Paul Ian Cross. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Paul Ian below.

Paul Ian, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

The biggest risk I’ve taken was leaving my stable, 20-year career in clinical research to pursue science communication and writing full-time.

After years of working in clinical research, including first-in-human clinical trials and COVID-19 vaccine research, I felt a growing desire to make science more accessible to a broader audience, especially children and young adults.

The decision wasn’t easy. I was leaving a reliable income and clear career path to step into the uncertain world of entrepreneurship and writing. Professionally, I was moving away from a field where I had established expertise. Personally, I was challenging myself to turn a passion project into a full-time career.

Despite the uncertainties, I took the plunge. I focused on expanding my work as an author, science communicator and educator. I increased my efforts in writing both fiction and non-fiction, spanning genres from STEM-inspired children’s books to science fiction.

The outcome has been incredibly rewarding. While it hasn’t been without challenges, this risk has allowed me to reach and inspire a wider audience with my love for science.

I’ve been able to consult with organisations on science communication, combining my clinical research background with my new focus.

My books have received recognition, and I’ve found a profound sense of fulfilment in making STEM subjects engaging for both children and adults.

This risk taught me that stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to unexpected and exciting opportunities.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As a scientist, I have over twenty years of experience in clinical research. I have worked in early phase research for most of this time, including first-in-human clinical trials in gene and cell therapy, cancer research and more recently COVID-19 research.

I provide consultancy services in clinical research, offering expertise in trial set-up, Good Clinical Practice oversight and project management. However, my passion extends beyond healthcare.

I’m dedicated to making STEM subjects accessible and engaging for all ages. This drive is evident in my work as an award-nominated author, where I craft STEM-inspired books for children and young adults, as well as science fiction, non-fiction, cosy mysteries and MM romance.

My unique blend of scientific knowledge and creative storytelling allows me to translate complex concepts into engaging content across various media. Whether through consulting, writing or educational content creation, my goal is to inspire curiosity and love for science.

My interests span biology, health, technology, environmental sustainability, climate change and space exploration. I’m particularly intrigued by artificial intelligence and the possibility of alien life, themes that often feature in my science fiction works.

What sets me apart is my ability to bridge the gap between intricate scientific ideas and public understanding.

I aim to inform, inspire, and ignite a passion for science in all its forms.

Ultimately, my brand is about making science approachable and exciting.

I strive to contribute to health research while also inspiring the next generation of scientists through my writing and educational efforts.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

My pivot story is closely tied to the global COVID-19 pandemic. In January 2020, I had made plans to transition into full-time writing, stepping away from my career as a clinical researcher.

I was excited about this new chapter, ready to dedicate more time to my passion for science communication through books and other creative works.

However, within just a few weeks, the world changed dramatically.

As the pandemic began to unfold, I quickly realised that my expertise was needed more than ever.

Like many healthcare professionals around the world, I felt a strong sense of duty to contribute to the fight against COVID-19.

I made the difficult but necessary decision to put my writing aspirations on hold and pivot back to my scientific work.

Interestingly, while many of my author friends found the pandemic to be a time of increased productivity in their writing, my experience was the complete opposite.

The demands of COVID-19 research left little time or mental energy for creative pursuits.

It wasn’t until 2023 that I was able to return to my original plan of writing full-time.

This pivot taught me the value of flexibility and the importance of using one’s skills where they’re most needed. It also reinforced my passion for both science and writing.

As a result, I’ve made the decision to maintain a presence in both fields, blending my scientific expertise with my love for storytelling and science communication.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

At the heart of my work is a commitment to sharing accurate, accessible health information with the public.

This mission became especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the vital importance of clear, reliable scientific communication.

It was during this time that I became involved with the World Health Organization’s Project Fides, an initiative aimed at combating misinformation and promoting factual health information.

As part of Project Fides, I leverage my background as a vaccine scientist and my skills as a communicator to share vital health information on social media platforms.

This work allows me to reach a wide audience, helping to demystify complex scientific concepts and provide people with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their health.

My involvement with Project Fides has connected me to a larger network of health influencers, all working towards the common goal of improving public health through education.

This collaborative effort has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to amplify my impact and learn from other experts in the field.

Moving forward, this mission continues to drive my creative work across all platforms – from my books and social media content to my consulting work.

My goal is to continue bridging the gap between complex scientific information and public understanding, fostering a more informed, health-literate society.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pauliancross.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DrPaulScience/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pauliancrossauthor
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/DrPaulScience/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeplM1Py6D3QB7jA8I9aTuA
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@drpaulscience

Image Credits

Black and white portrait: Image Credit to Adrian Metzelaar (https://www.instagram.com/adrian.metzelaar/)