Science in Society Journalism Awards

Instructions and entry form available here in late-November of each year. Entries close on Feb. 1.

Entries for the 2013 Science in Society Journalism Awards open on Wednesday, November 28. Check back then for a link to the online entry platform and complete rules.

Categories for 2013:

• Books
• Commentary and opinion
• Science reporting
• Science reporting for a local or regional market
• Longform science reporting

The purpose

NASW established the Science in Society awards to provide recognition — without subsidy from any professional or commercial interest — for investigative or interpretive reporting about the sciences and their impact on society. NASW especially encourages entries of critical, probing pieces that would not receive an award from an interest group. Beginning with the first award in 1972, previous winners have demonstrated innovative reporting that goes well beyond the science itself and into the ethical problems and social implications. A committee of accomplished peers judges the entries each year.

The awards

NASW will award separate cash prizes of $2,500 for writing judged best in each of the categories. With the exception of the book category, prizes will be platform independent. We're open to entries from print, broadcast, and online journalists. Winners and their publishers/broadcasters will also receive certificates. The awards will be presented at an NASW dinner during the annual fall ScienceWriters meeting. Reasonable travel and hotel expenses of the award winners will be reimbursed. In cases of multiple authors or producers, only one person's expenses will be covered.

Eligibility

Any writer (or team) is eligible to submit one entry in each category. Except in the book category, an entry will consist of a maximum of three articles or broadcasts on separate topics or a single series. Work must be written or spoken in English, intended for the lay person, and first published or broadcast in North America between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31 of the previous year. e.g. the 2013 awards are for work published in 2012. Winners of last year's awards and individuals who have won three times are not eligible.

For questions, contact:

director@nasw.org

Science in Society Awards Committee chairs:

• Amber Dance
• Dennis Meredith