Deadline: 30-Apr-2026
The Sharon Begley Award recognizes outstanding mid-career science journalists and provides a grant of at least $20,000 to support ambitious, in-depth reporting projects. Open to international applicants, the award combines a prestigious career honor with financial support to advance impactful science journalism.
Overview of the Sharon Begley Award
The Sharon Begley Award is a prestigious international award designed to recognize excellence in science journalism while actively supporting the development of substantial, high-impact reporting projects.
The award honors the career achievements of a mid-career science journalist and provides dedicated funding to allow the recipient the time, focus, and resources needed to pursue an ambitious journalism project that deepens public understanding of science.
Purpose and Vision of the Award
The award is intended to:
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Celebrate excellence and integrity in science journalism
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Support long-form, in-depth, and investigative science reporting
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Enable journalists to pursue complex scientific stories that require sustained research
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Strengthen public engagement with science through high-quality journalism
By combining recognition with financial backing, the award helps journalists move beyond daily reporting constraints.
Award Value and Financial Support
The Sharon Begley Award provides:
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A total grant of at least $20,000
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An initial payment upon selection as the award recipient
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A remaining $10,000 released once the reporting project is confirmed to be actively underway
The funding is specifically designed to give the awardee flexibility and independence while working on a major reporting project.
Who Is Eligible?
Professional Experience Requirements
Applicants must:
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Be mid-career science journalists
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Have approximately 8–10 years of professional journalism experience
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Demonstrate substantial experience covering science-related topics
Time spent in editorial roles is fully counted toward eligibility, acknowledging the critical role editors play in shaping high-quality science journalism.
Employment Status
Eligible applicants may be:
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Staff journalists
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Freelance or independent journalists
Both employment paths are treated equally.
Geographic Eligibility
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Applications are open worldwide
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Journalists may be based in any country
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Work must have been published in news outlets accessible to international audiences
Who Is Not Eligible?
To ensure transparency and integrity, the following individuals are not eligible:
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Current board members, staff, or contractors of the Council for the Advancement of Science Writing (CASW)
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Members of their households
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Journalists currently serving on the award’s advisory committee
Former advisory committee members may apply only after a three-year waiting period following the end of their service.
Application Rules and Conditions
Applicants should note the following conditions:
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There is no entry or application fee
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Candidates may apply multiple times in different years
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The award may only be received once per individual
These rules ensure accessibility while preserving the award’s unique career distinction.
How the Award Funding Works
The grant supports the development of a significant journalism project.
Funding Process
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The awardee is selected based on career excellence and project potential
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An initial portion of the grant is disbursed upon selection
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The remaining $10,000 is released after the recipient notifies CASW that the reporting project is actively underway
This structure ensures both early support and accountability during the reporting process.
What Kind of Journalism Is Supported?
The award supports:
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In-depth science reporting
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Investigative or explanatory journalism
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Long-form or multi-part projects
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Stories that require extended research, travel, or expert consultation
The focus is on ambition, rigor, and public impact rather than short news cycles.
Why This Award Matters
The Sharon Begley Award plays a critical role in the science journalism ecosystem.
It matters because it:
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Recognizes sustained excellence at a pivotal career stage
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Provides financial freedom to pursue complex scientific stories
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Encourages rigorous, independent reporting
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Honors the legacy of Sharon Begley, a leading figure in science journalism
By supporting journalists directly, the award strengthens science literacy and public trust.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants are encouraged to:
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Clearly demonstrate their track record in science journalism
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Highlight the significance and ambition of the proposed reporting project
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Show how the project will deepen public understanding of science
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Emphasize originality, depth, and societal relevance
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Present a clear plan for how the grant will support the reporting work
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Applying without sufficient professional experience
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Submitting work that is not clearly science-focused
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Proposing projects that lack depth or feasibility
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Failing to demonstrate international accessibility of published work
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Overlooking eligibility restrictions related to CASW affiliation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Sharon Begley Award?
It is an international award that honors mid-career science journalists and provides funding to support an in-depth reporting project.
How much funding does the award provide?
The award provides a grant of at least $20,000.
Who can apply?
Mid-career science journalists with approximately 8–10 years of experience, including time spent in editorial roles.
Can freelance journalists apply?
Yes. Both staff and independent journalists are eligible.
Is the award open internationally?
Yes. Journalists from anywhere in the world may apply if their work is accessible to international audiences.
Is there an application fee?
No. There is no entry fee to apply.
Can someone win the award more than once?
No. While applicants may apply multiple times, the award can only be received once.
Conclusion
The Sharon Begley Award offers a rare combination of professional recognition and meaningful financial support for mid-career science journalists. By funding ambitious, in-depth reporting projects, the award empowers journalists to pursue complex scientific stories that inform, engage, and educate audiences worldwide.
