Madhumita Murgia: The Voice of Artificial Intelligence Journalism in the Modern Age
Who Is Madhumita Murgia?
Madhumita Murgia is an award-winning British-Indian journalist, editor and author best known as the Artificial Intelligence Editor at the Financial Times (FT) and the writer of the acclaimed book Code Dependent: Living in the Shadow of AI. Recognised for her insightful coverage of technology, science, and society, she has become one of the most respected voices in global AI journalism.
Her work bridges the gap between cutting-edge science and human experience—exploring how algorithms, data, and emerging technologies shape our lives, influence policy, and challenge ethics in the twenty-first century.
Early Life and Education of Madhumita Murgia
Born and raised in Mumbai, India, Madhumita Murgia developed an early curiosity for science and storytelling. She moved to the United Kingdom to study Biological Sciences at the University of Oxford (2006–2009). Her academic excellence led her to pursue a Master’s Degree in Clinical Immunology at the same university (2009–2010), where she researched the immune response to HIV as part of the CHAVI Project (NIH Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Immunology).
Her scientific training laid the foundation for her analytical approach to journalism. Seeking to combine her passion for science with communication, she earned a Master’s in Science, Health and Environmental Journalism from New York University (2010–2011).
Early Career and Entry into Journalism
Madhumita Murgia began her journalism journey through internships at prestigious science publications, including Wired Magazine (New York), Popular Science, and Nature Medicine. These early experiences allowed her to explore the intersection of technology, innovation, and humanity.
In 2012, she joined WIRED UK as an Assistant Editor, later becoming Associate Editor. She wrote long-form features on neuroscience, data privacy, artificial intelligence, and the psychology of addiction. Her writing blended scientific depth with human-centred storytelling, making complex topics accessible to general audiences.
Leadership in Technology Journalism
In 2015, she became Head of Technology at The Telegraph, leading global technology coverage and managing a newsroom team. She authored a popular weekly column on the business of technology and contributed regularly to opinion pages and weekend supplements.
A year later, Madhumita Murgia joined the Financial Times, where her reputation for nuanced reporting grew rapidly. From 2016 to 2023, she served as European Technology Correspondent, covering artificial intelligence, data privacy, and digital policy. In 2023, she was appointed Artificial Intelligence Editor—a role reflecting her authority in the field.
Her reporting for the FT includes deep dives into topics such as algorithmic bias, AI governance, and the ethical implications of automation on labour and identity.
Major Publication — Code Dependent: Living in the Shadow of AI
Published in 2024, Code Dependent is Madhumita Murgia’s first book and quickly became a landmark in public discussions about AI’s social impact. Translated into eight languages and shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction 2024, the book examines how algorithms quietly shape decisions about jobs, healthcare, justice, and opportunity.
Through case studies and personal narratives, Code Dependent explores the human consequences of living in a data-driven society. Murgia’s empathetic storytelling turns abstract technological issues into relatable human stories—making it essential reading for policymakers, technologists, and general readers alike.
Awards and Recognition
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Two-time UK Press Awards winner (2024 & 2025) for Tech/Science Journalist of the Year.
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Evert Clark/Seth Payne Award (2015) recognising outstanding science writing by journalists under 30.
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Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction 2024 shortlist for Code Dependent.
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Laurence Stern Fellowship (2017) at The Washington Post, where she reported on health, policy, and technology across the US.
These accolades affirm her influence as one of the foremost interpreters of artificial intelligence for a general audience.
Themes and Areas of Expertise
Madhumita Murgia’s journalism consistently focuses on:
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Artificial Intelligence and Ethics — examining how bias, accountability, and power operate in automated systems.
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Data and Surveillance — exploring how information is collected, traded, and used by governments and corporations.
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Science and Health — translating complex medical and biological research into public understanding.
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Technology Policy and Regulation — analysing Europe’s evolving stance on AI, privacy, and digital sovereignty.
Her ability to contextualise AI within broader social frameworks distinguishes her from purely technical commentators.
Current Role and Influence
As Artificial Intelligence Editor at the Financial Times, Murgia leads the paper’s global coverage of AI. She writes features, news stories, and opinion pieces while contributing to FT podcasts, videos, and events. She has built an extensive network of policymakers, researchers, and entrepreneurs, bringing an informed, ethical lens to her reporting.
Her verified social media presence, @madhumita29 on X (formerly Twitter), extends her influence beyond print, engaging directly with a global audience of over 16,000 followers.
Estimated Age and Personal Insights
Although her exact date of birth is not public, interviews suggest that Madhumita Murgia is around 37 years old as of 2025, based on her university timeline and recent media profiles. She currently resides in London, England, where she continues to write and speak on the societal implications of artificial intelligence.
Legacy and Impact
Madhumita Murgia represents a new generation of journalists who bridge science, ethics, and storytelling. Her voice reminds the world that behind every algorithm lies a human story—and that responsible technology reporting is essential for democratic accountability.
Her work not only informs readers but also shapes policy discussions, academic debates, and public perception about the technologies transforming our world.
FAQs
1. Who is Madhumita Murgia?
Madhumita Murgia is an award-winning British-Indian journalist and the Artificial Intelligence Editor at the Financial Times (FT). She writes about AI, data privacy, and the social consequences of technology, and is widely recognised for making complex tech topics accessible to readers.
2. What is Madhumita Murgia’s book Code Dependent about?
Code Dependent: Living in the Shadow of AI (2024) by Madhumita Murgia explores how artificial intelligence affects real people’s lives across the world. It investigates issues of bias, data surveillance, automation, and inequality, revealing the hidden human cost of our digital systems.
3. How old is Madhumita Murgia?
While her exact birth date is not publicly disclosed, Madhumita Murgia is estimated to be around 37 years old as of 2025, based on her education and early career timeline.
4. What is Madhumita Murgia’s role at the Financial Times (FT)?
At the Financial Times, Madhumita Murgia serves as the Artificial Intelligence Editor, leading the newspaper’s coverage on AI, data, and digital ethics. She writes investigative pieces, features, and op-eds, and contributes to FT podcasts and events.
5. Why is Madhumita Murgia’s work important?
Her journalism bridges technology and humanity, offering deep insight into how AI impacts society, jobs, and identity. Through Code Dependent and her FT reporting, Madhumita Murgia raises critical awareness about the need for accountability, fairness, and transparency in artificial intelligence.
