CURT SUPLEE WINS TOP PRIZE FOR CHEMISTRY REPORTING

He has taken readers to Mars and the moon, into the oceans, and through the ozone hole. He has taught them the chemistry of tanning lotions and junk food, explained the difference between buckyballs and soccer balls, and translated complicated research developments into simple explanations of science. Former Washington Post reporter Curt Suplee has provided millions of readers with up-to-date and understandable coverage of chemistry.

Suplee has been named the 2002 recipient of the American Chemical Society's James T. Grady-James H. Stack Award for Interpreting Chemistry for the Public. He was honored at a luncheon at the National Press Club in October and receives $3000, a gold medal, and bronze replica at the Society's Spring 2002 national meeting in Orlando, Fla.

Established in 1955, this annual award is the highest honor the Society gives for public communication about chemistry. Named after two former managers of the American Chemical Society's News Service, the award aims to recognize, encourage, and stimulate outstanding reporting that promotes the public's understanding and knowledge of chemistry, chemical engineering, and related fields.

Suplee, currently the director of the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs at the National Science Foundation, worked at the Washington Post for 23 years in a variety of positions, including science and medicine editor, science writer, and editor of HORIZON, an educational science supplement published from 1994 to 1999.

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(Source: ACS news release)