Trained Physicist, Founder & Managing Director of Alternity, Special Advisor to GESDA, Former Editor-in-Chief of New Scientist & Author ‘The Bright Side’

Sumit Paul-Choudhury is a writer, entrepreneur, and futurist whose work explores optimism, technology, and speculative creativity. He is the founder and managing director of Alternity, a creative studio dedicated to reimagining alternative histories and possible futures. Sumit’s current work bridges science, culture, and storytelling, offering fresh perspectives on how we understand and navigate change. Through his ventures, he engages audiences worldwide, inspiring them to think differently about the future and embrace optimism in the face of uncertainty.

Credentials and Impact

Sumit’s career brings together science, journalism, and cultural leadership. After earning a physics degree from Imperial College London, he spent 15 years in London and New York as a journalist specialising in finance and technology, building a reputation for clarity and authority in complex subject areas.

He became Editor-in-Chief of New Scientist, one of the world’s most respected science publications, where he led the magazine to new heights of editorial quality and global reach. He also served as Editor-in-Chief of Arc, a pioneering digital magazine blending science fiction, technology, and contemporary culture. Later, he was appointed founding Creative Director of New Scientist Live, shaping the festival into a flagship public science event. Alongside these leadership roles, he judged major awards including the Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction, the Wellcome Book Prize, the Royal Television Society Programme Awards, and the Costa Book Awards.

Beyond publishing, Sumit is a Fellow and editorial board member at the RSA, a trustee of the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, and a trustee of London’s arebyte digital art gallery. He also holds advisory positions with cultural and scientific organisations and is regularly invited to lecture at universities and business schools. Through these roles, he continues to shape global conversations at the intersection of science, culture, and society.

Publications and Media

The author of The Bright Side, published in 2025 and translated into multiple languages, Sumit writes extensively on science, technology, and culture. His journalism has appeared in The Guardian, The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, and Prospect, where his essays blend personal insight with global issues. Beyond print, he is a regular voice on podcasts, broadcast interviews, and international panels, discussing optimism, innovation, and the future.

Why Hire Sumit Paul-Choudhury?

Booking Sumit means engaging a speaker who marries intellectual depth with emotional authenticity. As the author of The Bright Side, he offers audiences science-grounded and emotionally resonant insights into optimism. With a background spanning physics, journalism, and cultural leadership, Sumit brings clarity and narrative richness to discussions about science, technology, resilience, and the future.

He weaves personal stories, such as his own journey through grief, into broader themes of agency, innovation, and hope, creating presentations that are both informative and transformative. His talks leave audiences with renewed perspectives on resilience, creativity, and human potential. From universities to corporate gatherings, Sumit’s presence instills optimism, sparks curiosity, and offers actionable ideas, making him a compelling and memorable choice for any event.

To book Sumit to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.