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.

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University News |

Jason Furman to Lead Center for Business and Government

The new director of Harvard Kennedy School’s Mossavar-Rahmani Center bridges economic research and policy.

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AI |

AI Outperforms Doctors in Emergency Room Tasks, New Harvard Study Shows

Researchers say the technology could help physicians with triage, diagnosis.

Massachusetts Hall under a clear blue sky, showcasing a prominent clock and large windows.

Harvard in the Crosshairs |

Government Seeks to Move Funding Case to Contracts Court

In a new appellate brief, the Trump administration shifts its argument for rescinding Harvard’s grants.

Map showing urban layout with roads, green spaces, and waterways.

Campus Construction |

Boston Board Approves Harvard’s Enterprise Research Campus Framework

City planners adopt principles to guide future development of the commercial innovation district in Allston.

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Harvard in the Crosshairs |

Harvard Answers Government Admissions Lawsuit

In a separate case, the Trump administration outlines its argument for the federal funding freeze. 

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Harvard in the Crosshairs |

Harvard Weathers a Year of Turmoil

The federal government has launched unprecedented actions against the University. Here’s a guide.

A woman with long hair leans on a table, looking out a large window with rain-streaked glass.

Research |

A Harvard Economist Probes the Affordable Housing Crisis

From understanding gender pay gaps to the housing crisis, Rebecca Diamond’s research aims to improve lives.

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Research |

Discoveries

Short takes on cutting-edge research

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Harvard Celebrates America’s 250th |

The Framer Who Refused to Sign the Constitution

Harvard’s Elbridge Gerry helped draft the U.S. Constitution, but worried it might create a new monarch.

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Harvard in the Crosshairs |

FAS Plans Administrative Overhaul

Facing financial pressures, Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences seeks ways to streamline.

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Harvard Corporation and Overseers |

Sylvia Mathews Burwell and Michael S. Chae to Join Harvard Corporation

The alumni will fill two vacancies on the University’s governing board.

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Harvard Chan School of Public Health |

Chan School of Public Health Department Chair Departs for UCLA

Kari Nadeau, an environmental health leader, will serve as the dean of the Fielding School of Public Health.