Since its establishment in 1945, the AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards have been dedicated to recognizing outstanding reporting on science by professional journalists. These awards, widely respected as a symbol of excellence in science journalism, are presented to individuals (rather than institutions, publishers, or employers) for their coverage of the fields of science, engineering, and mathematics.
Following a significant endowment in 2009 from The Kavli Foundation, ensuring the longevity of the program, the awards were renamed the AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards. In 2015, Kavli further bolstered the endowment, enabling the competition to expand internationally for the first time.
Now, all categories of the awards are open to journalists working for independent news organizations worldwide. The winning entries are selected by impartial judging committees based on criteria such as scientific accuracy, innovation, originality, clarity of explanation, and contribution to enhancing public understanding of science and its implications.
Award Categories
- Science Reporting – Large Outlet: Text pieces in print or online from major newspapers with over 150,000 circulation (including digital subscriptions) and digital-only publications with regional or national reach. This category also includes online news outlets with 50 or more staff members. Entries can be a themed series (three parts for judging) or up to three related or unrelated pieces combined, totalling 5,000 words or less.
- Science Reporting – Small Outlet: Text pieces in print or online from small newspapers with under 150,000 circulation (including digital subscriptions) and digital-only publications targeting local audiences. Online news outlets with fewer than 50 staff members are eligible. Entries can be a themed series (three parts for judging) or up to three related or unrelated pieces, totaling 5,000 words or less.
- Science Reporting – In-Depth: Entry of over 5,000 words for newspapers, magazines, or online platforms. Can be a single story, two or three related/unrelated pieces exceeding 5,000 words in total, or a themed series of 5,000 words or more (up to three parts for judging).
- Magazine: Stories in print magazines, magazine websites, or digital-only formats, totalling 5,000 words or less. Entries may include up to three related or unrelated pieces within the word limit. Includes Sunday magazine sections of newspapers.
- Video In-Depth Reporting: Segments or programs lasting longer than 20 minutes, including standalone online videos.
- Video Spot News/Feature Reporting: Segments or programs totalling 20 minutes or less, including standalone online videos.
- Audio: Radio or Podcast entries.
- Children’s Science News: Recognizes excellence in reporting on science news for children, including young teens up to age 14, across various mediums such as print, broadcast, or online.
Award
- Each category has two awards: Gold, which includes a $5,000 prize, and Silver, which includes a $3,500 prize. These awards are presented annually at the AAAS Annual Meeting in February. Winners are expected to attend the awards ceremony unless circumstances beyond their control prevent them from doing so. The award includes coverage of travel and hotel expenses. If there are multiple authors or producers, only one person’s travel expenses will be reimbursed.
Eligibility Criteria
- Reporters from independent news organizations worldwide are eligible for the awards.
- The articles should be easily accessible to the public through subscription, newsstand sales, or online access.
- If the submitted work is in a language other than English, an English translation must be provided.
- The same story cannot be entered in two different categories, and a story cannot be submitted both as an individual entry and as part of a group of stories.
How To Apply
The contest is valid from 16th July 2023 to 15th July 2024. All entries must be submitted online by 1st August 2024, 11:59 p.m., U.S. Pacific time. Entries should have been originally published, broadcast, or posted online within the contest year. No entry fee is required.
To begin your application journey, click here.
Visit the official website of AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards for further information.
Application Deadline
August 1, 2024.
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