Volume 49, Number 1, Spring 2000

AAAS HONORS SIX WRITERS FOR MASTERLY PRESENTATION

Winners of the 2000 AAAS Science Journalism Awards, a national science writing competition sponsored by the Whitaker Foundation, were honored on February 19, in Washington, DC.

George Johnson	Gayle Worland
Robert Kunzig	Charles W. Petit
Elizabeth Arledge	Michael Lamp

George Johnson of the New York Times won the competition in the large newspaper category for his articles entitled "Almost in Awe, Physicists Ponder 'Ultimate' Theory," "Of Mice and Elephants: a Matter of Scale," and "Mindless Creatures, Acting 'Mindfully,'" which appeared on September 22, 1998, January 12, 1999, and March 23, 1999. Johnson is honored for tackling difficult science concepts and explaining complicated issues in a coherent and clear way for the readers.

Gayle Worland of the Denver Westword won the award for the small newspaper category for her November 26, 1998, article entitled "A Bird in Hand." Worland was honored for her well-written piece, which serves as a contribution to science journalism. The fact that her article appeared in a free weekly circular demonstrates the growing importance of science stories in the media.

The award for outstanding science writing in the magazine category was given to two co-winners this year: Robert Kunzig of Discover won for his December 1998 article "The Blood of the Vikings." He was commended for his unique, unexpected, and beautifully written piece, and his skillful use of poetry.

Charles W. Petit also won for his articles "Touched by Nature," "A Fresh Jolt for Fusion," and "Rediscovering America," which appeared in US News & World Report on July 27, 1998, September 28, 1998, and October 12, 1998. Petit was honored for his craftsmanship and the excellent quality throughout all three pieces. The judges said the entries represent a fine example of what others should strive for in science journalism.

In the television category, Elizabeth Arledge of WGBH- NOVA won for "Surviving AIDS." Arledge was honored

for her use of personal stories, narration, and graphics to illustrate the scientific investigation of the HIV virus. The judges noted her ability to integrate human drama with the challenging scientific process involved in AIDS research.

In the radio category, Michael Lamp won for "Planet Pluto," which aired on KNAU, Northern Arizona Public Radio. Lamp was commended for his effective use of the medium, especially interviews, and ambient sound to convey concepts from a primarily visual field of science. The judges noted his coverage of material, balanced viewpoint, demonstration of science's impact on society, and a century-long perspective of a scientific issue.

The AAAS Science Journalism Awards have been funded since 1995 by the Whitaker Foundation, a private nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting research and training in biomedical engineering.

(Source: AAAS Science Journalism Awards Committee)