journalist | author | speakerAbout Julia Belluz
Julia Belluz is a journalist and the co-author of Food Intelligence, named one of The Economist’s Best Books of the Year. She is a contributing opinion writer for The New York Times, where she covers health, nutrition and chronic illness.
Julia’s work examines how policy, power, and systems shape human health. She is known for cutting through misinformation, challenging unfounded health claims, and explaining what the evidence actually shows, particularly in areas where public debate is distorted by hype or ideology.
A global reporting careerJulia has reported from Canada, the United States, and Europe, and previously served as Vox’s senior health correspondent in Washington, DC. She was also a Knight Science Journalism Fellow at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she deepened her knowledge of research evidence and science communication.
Earlier in her career, she worked as a reporter in Toronto and London. Her writing has appeared in a wide range of international publications, including the BMJ, ProPublica, The Economist, The Globe and Mail, Maclean’s, and The Times of London.
Across subjects — from nutrition and wellness to maternal mortality, obesity, vaccine hesitancy, mental health, and health law — Julia’s reporting consistently interrogates the science behind popular claims, and traces how regulation and policy succeed or fail to protect public health.
Impact and honorsJulia’s journalism has helped inform public debate and improve health policy at both hospital and state levels, including in maternal healthcare and mental healthcare for first responders. Her reporting has also inspired scientific research and cultural work, extending its influence beyond traditional media.
Julia has received numerous journalism honors, including the Balles Prize in Critical Thinking, the American Society of Nutrition Journalism Award, three Canadian National Magazine Awards, and the Recognizing Excellence in Advancing Health Literacy Award. She was a finalist for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Communications Award.
In addition to her reporting, she has contributed chapters on public health journalism to books, including Tactical Guide to Science Journalism and To Save Humanity: What Matters Most for a Healthy Future. She also served as a commissioner for the Global Commission on Evidence to Address Societal Challenges.
Speaking and educationJulia has delivered talks and lectures about her work, health journalism, and evidence-based policymaking on five continents, including appearances at Harvard Law School, Yale Law School, the University of Toronto, McGill University, and Oxford University.
A native of Toronto, Julia holds an MSc from the London School of Economics and Political Science. She lives in Paris with her family.
approachJulia’s approach to journalism is rigorous, analytical, and deeply evidence-driven. Her work resists hype, foregrounds uncertainty, and situates health issues within the broader social, political, and structural forces that shape them.
Subscribe and collaborate
Julia’s publishes essays and commentary through her Substack newsletter and shares updates about her work across select social platforms. You can see some of her work here.
Julia is available for interviews, speaking engagements and moderated conversations, as well as writing assignments and editorial collaborations. If you’re interested in working together or inviting Julia to contribute to a conversation, you’re welcome to get in touch.