Jonathan Shaw

Jonathan Shaw is Managing Editor of Harvard Magazine. A graduate of Harvard College, he has worked at the magazine since 1990, following an earlier role at MIT. Over the decades, he has written widely on science, technology, health, and the humanities.

After covering the 2002 SARS epidemic in depth, Jon became the first journalist writing for a general audience to report that both SARS-CoV and the closely related SARS-CoV-2—the virus behind COVID-19—use the same receptor to enter human cells. He later shared the behind-the-scenes story of how that article came together. His 2004 feature on the benefits of exercise, “The True Magic Pill,” remains one of the most-read pieces on harvardmagazine.com, although his playful answer to “Who Built the Pyramids” is also a perennial favorite.

For more than twenty years, Jon has explored a wide range of topics—from stem cell science and climate change to big data and legal issues such as the role of habeas corpus in the war on terror. His early feature on digital privacy helped introduce the concept of “surveillance capitalism” to general readers. Most recently, he audited a course on understanding and using generative AI to inform his reporting on that rapidly evolving field.

His work has been anthologized in collections of the best science writing and is frequently used in college and university classrooms.

Jon is known for his meticulous approach to journalism. He clearly identifies Harvard Magazine as an editorially independent publication during interviews and carefully fact-checks his work before publication. He refrains from political speech in public forums and strives to present opposing viewpoints fairly and accurately when covering controversial subjects.

Harvard Plans Contingencies for International Students

The Kennedy School and School of Public Health are developing online options.

Isaac Kohlberg to Step Down as Head of Harvard Technology Development

Partnerships and licensing office could become more critical as funding cuts loom

Harvard Commencement 2025

Harvard passes a test of its values, yet challenges loom.

How Will Federal Actions Affect Harvard’s Finances?

Putting Harvard’s $53 billion endowment into perspective

Harvard’s Plant Collection Meets Space Science

Light-based analysis of botanical collections link plants to Earth’s changing climate.

Harvard Commencement Day 2025

The 374th Commencement exercises 

Harvard Confers Six Honorary Degrees at Commencement

Abdul-Jabbar, Moreno join scholars in climate, poverty, immigration

Plans for a Harvard Faculty Senate Move Forward

And annual awards for excellence in teaching, advising, mentoring, and scholarship

Harvard Discloses Top Administrator and Investment Manager Compensation

Investment pay drops—top six managers’ earnings total a little more than $25 million

Harvard President Responds to Secretary of Education

Alan Garber outlines steps the University has taken, and emphasizes compliance with the law.

Suzanne Glassburn Named University Secretary

Suzanne Glassburn will manage the work of the Corporation and Board of Overseers.