The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications

Awards Overview

Each year, the program will award 24 prizes honoring excellence in science communication by research scientists, science journalists, and science communicators. The program will welcome submissions that explore the full spectrum of science — its beauty and societal benefits, its complexities, its shortcomings and controversies.
 
Leading scientists and experts in all aspects of science communication and journalism – from the academic, non-profit, corporate, and other sectors – review the submissions and select the winners.
 
Learn more about the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications, including eligibility and submission guidelines.

• 9 Awards for Research Scientists

  These awards will be split into three subcategories in science, engineering, or medical fields: graduate students (who were master’s or Ph.D. candidates), early-career researchers (who were zero-five years post-master’s or Ph.D.), and mid-to-later career researchers (who were six or more years post-master’s or Ph.D.).

• 9 Awards for Science Journalists

  These awards will focus on three subcategories in science journalism: community journalists (who reported on local and/or community-specific issues, or the effects of wider issues on a locality or community), early-career journalists (who were under 30 years of age, or had less than five years of professional experience), and freelance journalists (who were self-employed).

• 6 Awards for Science Communicators

  These awards will focus on two other subcategories in science communication: independent communicators (who were self-employed) and organizational communicators (who were employed by an organization).

Skill Building and Community

The Science Communications Awards program prioritizes providing award winners with access to skill building opportunities that strengthen their ability to share science in clear and engaging ways. Through hands on workshops in writing, filmmaking, and other storytelling formats, as well as mentorship from experienced communicators, the program supports each winner’s growth, helps amplify their voice, and empowers them to reach broader audiences with accuracy, creativity, and impact. Just as importantly, winners join a vibrant community of peers and advisors—a space to exchange ideas, find inspiration, and build lasting connections that can elevate their work and expand their reach far beyond the program itself.