The National Association of Science Writers (NASW) of the United States (US) annually offers the Science in Society Journalism Awards for outstanding investigative or interpretive reporting - without subsidy from any professional or commercial interest - about the sciences and their impact for good and bad - especially the kind of critical, probing article that would not receive an award from an interest group. Beginning with the first award in 1972, previous winners have demonstrated innovative reporting well beyond the science itself and into its ethical problems and social effects.

NASW will award separate cash prizes of US$2,500 for writing judged best in each of these three categories: books, periodicals (newspaper and magazine), and electronic media (radio, television, and the internet). Winners and their publishers/broadcasters will also receive certificates.

Any writer (or team) is eligible to submit up to three entries in each category. Material may be a single article or broadcast, or a series. Series will be considered to be single entries. Work must be written or spoken in English, intended for the lay person, and first published or broadcast in North America between January 1 and December 31 2009.

Entrants in the book category should send 10 copies of the book, each accompanied by a completed copy of the entry form.

Entrants in the periodicals category should send 10 photocopies of the article as it appeared in the original publication, each accompanied by a completed copy of the entry form.

With the exception of those entering websites, entrants in the electronic media category should send 10 copies of their entries each accompanied by a completed copy of the attached entry form. Television broadcasts should be sent as DVDs (preferably) or half-inch VHS videotapes. Radio broadcasts should be sent in a standard format on CDs. Those entering websites need only provide a working URL (with a password allowing cost-free access if necessary), but they should send 10 completed copies of the entry form.

Click here for more information.

Click here and scroll to the bottom of the page for previous winners.

NASW website on November 5 2009, and email from Diane McGurgan to The Communication Initiative on November 5 2009.