KZ: Hi Jackson! How did you feel when you were announced as the winner of the 2022 Australian Museum Eureka Prize for Science Journalism?

J: I was very relieved! I did so much hard work in Antarctica to tell interesting stories about the ocean and the ice but I was up against some other very good, deserving science journalists. Once the relief wore off, I was just elated. I have a nice trophy on my bookshelf and every time I look at it, it reminds me that hard work really does pay off.

The RSV Nuyina's crow's nest (the highest accessible point on the ship)

KZ: You were one of 66 people on the inaugural voyage of Australia's icebreaker vessel RSV Nuyina, and your series Journey to the Ice Kingdom offers a snapshot of life on a research vessel. What was the most interesting aspect of life on a ship travelling to Antarctica? After spending 39 days on the voyage, is there anything you wish you had done differently? 

J: The ship has this huge observation deck, with wraparound windows that give you a great view of the scenery. The wildlife is a constant presence – particularly albatross and other sea birds. The amount of free time you have is really hard to explain! There’s plenty to do, like a gym and board games and a movie theatre. I loved all of that. The only thing I wish I’d done differently was stay in Antarctica for longer!

The CASEY sign sits in front of the station's lower fuel farm.

KZ: What has been the personal highlight of your career so far?

J: Antarctica is definitely up there, and the Eureka Prize is great! However, the most fulfilling thing is hearing from readers that they loved to read my work. Every kind email I get is a personal highlight and it’s really nice to know that writing can make a difference in the world.

KZ: What are the best and worst parts of your job?

J: The best part? Knowing that journalism can make a difference. It can change people’s minds. It can change the world! The worst part? It can be lonely sometimes, especially when you’re working at your desk at home all day. Also the mean emails I get. Grrr.

KZ: Can you share an interesting behind the scenes fact about your job?

J: I play a lot of video games. Journalism is so extremely flexible which means I don’t just have to write about science, I can also write about many other things. Some days I spend on the couch just rolling through a new game, which is pretty cool.

Jackson: If there are awards for Best Icebergs, this would be the winner for mine. 

KZ: Did you take part in any activities or have any hobbies as a child that gave you skills you use at work?

J: The major skill I can think of is writing. I used to do some blogging when I was a teenager and I was also very inquisitive about the world. I liked to ask my teachers a lot of questions and that’s a particularly good skill to have if you want to be a journalist!

Jackson standing by the signpost for ‘Jack's Donga’, on the way to a small hut (the donga) which sleeps four people in a very snug fit. It's a refuge hut about 16km away from Casey Station, which is basically the wilderness of Antarctica.

KZ: What would K-Zoners be surprised to learn about you?

J: I’ve actually been in K-Zone before! I used to work with Disney on a TV show called Hanging With, with a bunch of other cool hosts who used to play games together and prank each other a lot. It was a great time.

Want to read more of our interview with Jackson? Grab the December 2022 'Let The Games Begin' issue, out now!