Deadline: 01-Aug-2026
The 2026 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards recognize outstanding science journalism across print, digital, video, audio, and children’s media worldwide. The awards honor excellence in science reporting, in-depth investigations, magazine journalism, and multimedia storytelling formats. Eligible entries include work published or broadcast globally for public audiences, with categories differentiated by format, length, and publication type.
Overview of the Awards
The AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards celebrate high-quality journalism that improves public understanding of science. They recognize journalists who produce accurate, engaging, and impactful science communication across multiple platforms.
The awards span:
- Print journalism
- Digital journalism
- Video reporting
- Audio storytelling
- Children’s science news
Purpose of the Awards
These awards aim to:
- Promote excellence in science journalism
- Improve public access to scientific knowledge
- Encourage in-depth science reporting
- Support multimedia science storytelling
- Recognize global science communicators
Award Categories
Science Reporting
- Covers articles published in newspapers, magazines, or digital platforms
- Divided into:
- Large circulation outlets
- Small circulation outlets
Science Reporting In-Depth
- Long-form journalism exceeding 5,000 words
- Focus on investigative or deeply researched science topics
Magazine Reporting
- Includes print and digital magazine articles
- Focuses on feature-style science journalism
Video Reporting
- Includes:
- Long-form video journalism
- Short-form or spot news reporting
- Online standalone videos
Audio Reporting
- Includes:
- Radio journalism
- Podcasts
- Focus on science storytelling through sound
Children’s Science News
- Science journalism for children and young teens (up to age 14)
- Can be delivered through:
- Digital
- Audio
- Video
Eligibility Criteria
The awards are open to:
- Professional journalists worldwide
- Independent news organizations
- Print, digital, video, and audio media outlets
Submission Requirements
Eligible Content
- Individual articles
- Themed series
- Collections of related or unrelated stories (depending on category rules)
- Science-related journalism for public audiences
Language Requirements
- Submissions in non-English languages must include:
- Full English translations
Content Types Accepted
- Science news reporting
- Investigative science journalism
- Feature stories
- Multimedia science content
- Educational science storytelling
Key Evaluation Factors
Entries are assessed based on:
- Depth of science reporting
- Accuracy and clarity
- Originality of storytelling
- Public impact and accessibility
- Quality of multimedia presentation
- Engagement with scientific topics
Category Differentiation Rules
Categories are distinguished by:
- Publication size (large vs small outlets)
- Length of content (short vs in-depth)
- Format (text, video, audio)
- Audience type (general vs children)
Why the Awards Matter
The AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards play a key role in:
- Strengthening science communication globally
- Encouraging fact-based reporting
- Supporting public understanding of scientific issues
- Recognizing excellence in journalism across media formats
How to Apply (General Process)
- Select eligible science journalism work
- Choose appropriate award category
- Ensure content meets format and length requirements
- Translate non-English content if required
- Prepare submission package (article/video/audio series)
- Submit via official award entry process
Tips for Strong Submissions
- Focus on clarity in explaining scientific concepts
- Ensure accuracy and fact-checking rigor
- Highlight public relevance of the science story
- Use strong narrative structure for engagement
- For multimedia: ensure high production quality
- For in-depth categories: emphasize investigative depth
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting content outside category word/length limits
- Missing English translations for non-English work
- Weak scientific accuracy or unclear sourcing
- Misclassifying short vs in-depth reporting
- Lack of narrative clarity in multimedia entries
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards?
They are global awards recognizing excellence in science journalism across multiple formats including print, digital, video, and audio.
2. Who can apply?
Journalists working for independent news organizations worldwide.
3. What types of media are accepted?
Print, online articles, magazines, video journalism, podcasts, and radio reporting.
4. What is considered in-depth reporting?
Science journalism pieces longer than 5,000 words with detailed investigative depth.
5. Are non-English entries allowed?
Yes, but they must include English translations.
6. Is children’s science journalism included?
Yes, there is a dedicated category for science news aimed at audiences up to age 14.
7. Can a series of articles be submitted?
Yes, entries may include single stories, series, or collections depending on category rules.
Conclusion
The 2026 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards recognize outstanding science journalism that enhances public understanding of science across global media platforms, encouraging high-quality reporting, storytelling innovation, and accessible science communication.
For more information, visit AAAS Kavli Awards.
