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National Academies Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications

For individuals who are working on the frontlines of science communication, science journalism, or practicing research, and who can demonstrate the potential or ability to develop high-quality, engaging science communications or reporting.

Not accepting applications

News and updates

National Academies Announce 2025 Winners of Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications; $640,000 Awarded

News Release

This year’s recipients of the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications have been selected in recognition of their creative and original work in 2024 to communicate issues and advances in science, engineering, and medicine.

Oct 22, 2025
2025 recipients of the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications, and others, at a celebration in their honor on Nov. 14, 2025 (photo by Marion Meakem Photography)

From Neutrinos to Narratives: An Interview with Katrina Miller

Feature Story

As a science reporter for the New York Times, Katrina Miller writes about the universe and how the pursuit of understanding it impacts society. Miller was a 2023 award winner of the National Academies’ Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications.

Oct 2, 2025
Katrina Miller at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile

What Shapes What We Believe: Andy Luttrell on Opinion Science

Feature Story

What shapes what we believe? We spoke with social psychologist Andy Luttrell, a 2024 winner of the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications, about communicating social science, and what he’s learned from his podcast with over 100 episodes featuring interviews with social scientists and professional communicators about their work.

Aug 21, 2025
Social psychologist and podcaster Andy Luttrell, a 2024 winner of the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications
About Application and Review Process Past awardees

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Marcia McNutt President of the National Academy of Sciences and Chair of the National Research Council

"Science is important to every aspect of our lives – from our economy, to our safety and security, to our health and well-being, and yet, far too many people don’t feel included in or connected to science in meaningful ways. Excellent science communicators invite everyone to science through their engaging and illuminating works. We look forward to recognizing and rewarding their important efforts."

Marcia McNutt
President, National Academy of Sciences

Description

The National Academies Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communication awards will present prizes to science communicators, science journalists, and research scientists who have developed creative, original work that addresses issues and advances in science, engineering, and/or medicine for the general public. Submissions are accepted in eight categories: freelance journalists, early-career journalists, and reporting at the local/regional level (science journalism); and graduate student researchers, early-career researchers, and later-career researchers (science communication by research scientists); and science communicator independent and science communicator organizational (science communication by individuals who do not identify as a science journalist or practicing researcher).

Mission

These prestigious awards recognize excellent science communicators and strive to build a robust community of science communicators, science journalists, and research scientists. The program will support the community of award winners as they continue to demystify complex issues related to science, engineering, and health effectively, inspiring wonder and curiosity about issues that impact daily life and planetary well-being.

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Your Science Stories Could Win You a Major Award

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Members of the selection committee and jury discuss the awards, describe who is awarded, and explain why awarding science communicators, journalists, and researchers is so important.

Collaborators

Jury

Andrea Bandelli

Member

Heather Berlin

Member

Siri Carpenter

Member

Cynthia-Lou Coleman

Member

Jia-Rui Cook

Member

Heather Doran

Member

Jordan Ellenberg

Member

Mary Flanagan

Member

Adam K Fontecchio

Member

Jen Golbeck

Member

Jac Goldstein

Member

Corey Gray

Member

Katelyn K Jetelina

Member

Maggie Koerth

Member

Kara Lavender Law

Member

Melissa C Márquez

Member

Liz Neeley

Member

Deborah Nelson

Member

Joe Palca

Member

Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz

Member

Czerne Reid

Member

Gustavo Rincon

Member

Thomas C Skalak

Member

Ashley Smart

Member

Alison M Snyder

Member

Monique Verdin

Member

Dan C Vergano

Member

Amy Wold

Member

Job Zomerplaag

Member

Kimberly Suda

Staff Officer

Committee

Tim Appenzeller

Member

David Biello

Member

Erika Check Hayden

Member

Chris Crawford

Member

Beth Daley

Member

Nadia Drake

Member

Laura Helmuth

Member

Leah H Jamieson

Member

Megan L Ranney

Member

Moira Shourie

Member

Steven Strogatz

Member

Janelle Wellons

Member

Kimberly Suda

Staff Officer

Sponsors

Schmidt Futures

Schmidt Sciences

Staff

Kimberly Suda

Lead

Leah Kist

Olivia Hamilton

Major units and sub-units

National Academy of Sciences

Collaborator

National Academy of Medicine

Collaborator

National Academy of Engineering Office of Programs

Lead

National Academy of Sciences Executive Office

Collaborator

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