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.
Upcoming
Application will open on March 2, 2026
News and updates
From Illness to Impact: Turning Science into a Tool for Community Change
Feature Story
Elijah was a 2023 award winner of the National Academies’ Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications with a continued passion for documentary filmmaking, storytelling, public performance, scientific research, communication, impact campaigns, public engagement and restructuring a better society.
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.
Meet our recent awardees
"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."
Description
The National Academies Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications 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; science reporting at the local/regional level; graduate student researchers; early-career researchers; later-career researchers; independent science communicators and organizational science communicators.
These prestigious awards recognize excellent science communicators and strive to build a robust community of science communicators, science journalists, and research scientists. The program supports 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.
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.
Contributors
Committee
Chair
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Jury
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Cynthia-Lou Coleman
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Corey Gray
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Gustavo Rincon
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Alison M Snyder
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Kimberly Suda
Staff Officer
Sponsors
Schmidt Sciences
Staff
Kimberly Suda
Lead
Leah Kist
Olivia Hamilton
Major units and sub-units
National Academy of Sciences
Lead
National Academy of Medicine
Lead
National Academy of Sciences Executive Office
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National Academy of Medicine Executive Office
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National Academy of Engineering President's and Executive Office
Lead
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Events
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NAS Building Guided Tours Available!
Participate in a one-hour guided tour of the historic National Academy of Sciences building, highlighting its distinctive architecture, renowned artwork, and the intersection of art, science, and culture.