Deadline: 11-May-2026
The Roche Health Journalism Award 2026 recognizes outstanding health and science reporting across Latin America, Spain, and Portugal. Journalists can submit works in four categories, with winners receiving international recognition and an all-expenses-paid trip to the Gabo Festival 2027.
Overview
The Roche Latin America Health Journalism Award is a prestigious international competition that honors excellence in health and science journalism across Latin America, Spain, and Portugal.
Organized with technical support from the Gabo Foundation, the award promotes high-quality, evidence-based, and impactful reporting that makes complex scientific topics accessible to the public.
Key Objectives
The award aims to:
- Recognize excellence in health and science journalism
- Promote accurate and evidence-based reporting
- Encourage explanatory and solutions-oriented journalism
- Strengthen public understanding of healthcare and scientific innovation
Thematic Focus Areas
Submissions should address one or more of the following themes:
- Effective access to healthcare
- Universal health coverage and timely care
- Science, innovation, and advanced treatments
- Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
- Women’s health and gender-related issues
Award Categories
For the 2026 edition, submissions are open in four categories:
- Written Journalism
- Audiovisual Journalism
- Digital Journalism
- Audio Journalism
All categories are being conducted simultaneously for the first time, allowing broader participation across formats.
Important Dates
- Application opens: March 25, 2026
- Submission deadline: May 11, 2026
- Awards ceremony: October 2026
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Who Can Apply
- Journalists from Latin America, Spain, or Portugal
- Individual or collaborative applicants
Work Requirements
- Published between January 1 and December 31, 2025
- Originally published in Spanish or Portuguese
- Focused on health or science topics
Submission Rules
- Maximum of two submissions per applicant
- If submitting two works:
- One must be individual
- One may be collaborative
Why This Award Matters
This award plays a vital role in:
- Bridging the gap between science and the public
- Promoting trustworthy and accessible health information
- Highlighting the societal impact of journalism
- Encouraging accountability and transparency in healthcare reporting
It recognizes journalism as a key tool in improving public health awareness and informed decision-making.
Evaluation Process
Submissions are assessed based on:
- Accuracy and scientific rigor
- Clarity and accessibility
- Depth of analysis
- Social relevance and impact
- Innovation in storytelling
New Addition in 2026
- Inclusion of a health economics and healthcare systems expert in the jury
- Provides broader context on policy, access, and system-level implications
पुरस्कार Benefits
Finalists
- 12 finalists selected (3 per category)
- Invitation to attend the awards ceremony in San José
- Participation in Roche Press Day
Winners
- Recognition as top health journalists
- All-expenses-paid participation in the Gabo Festival 2027
What is Roche Press Day?
Roche Press Day is a high-level event that brings together:
- Journalists
- Healthcare professionals
- Academics
- Civil society representatives
- Policy decision-makers
It fosters interdisciplinary dialogue and knowledge exchange on key health issues.
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Select Your Work
Choose eligible journalism pieces published in 2025 - Verify Eligibility
Ensure language, publication date, and thematic focus meet criteria - Prepare Submission
Include:
- Work samples (article, video, audio, etc.)
- Publication details
- Author information
- Submit Application
Apply through the official Roche Health Journalism Award platform - Wait for Evaluation
Applications are reviewed by an expert jury panel
Key Tips for Applicants
- Focus on clarity and accessibility of complex topics
- Use credible scientific sources and evidence
- Highlight real-world impact and human stories
- Demonstrate originality and storytelling strength
- Ensure your submission fits the category clearly
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting work outside the eligibility period (2025 only)
- Not adhering to language requirements (Spanish or Portuguese)
- Weak scientific backing or lack of sources
- Overly technical writing without public accessibility
- Submitting more than the allowed number of entries
FAQs
1. Who can apply for the award?
Journalists from Latin America, Spain, and Portugal.
2. What is the submission deadline?
May 11, 2026.
3. Can I submit more than one entry?
Yes, up to two works (one individual and one collaborative).
4. What languages are accepted?
Spanish and Portuguese only.
5. What are the award categories?
Written, audiovisual, digital, and audio journalism.
6. What do winners receive?
Recognition and an all-expenses-paid trip to the Gabo Festival 2027.
7. Where will the awards ceremony take place?
In San José, Costa Rica, in October 2026.
Conclusion
The Roche Health Journalism Award 2026 is a leading platform for recognizing impactful journalism in health and science.
By rewarding accuracy, innovation, and public engagement, it empowers journalists to improve how societies understand health, science, and medical advancements.
For more information, visit Roche.