After consideration of nearly three hundred entries in eleven categories, the judges have decided on the finalists in this year’s Association of British Science Writer’s Awards. Winners will be announced at an Awards Ceremony on Wednesday June 24, 2026, at the Royal Society, London.
The Awards are supported by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, the Royal Society, Dr Katharine Giles Fund, and AlphaGalileo.
Martin Ince, Chair of the Judging Panel, and a freelance science & education writer, media adviser & media trainer commented;
At a time when misinformation and disinformation are rife it has never been more important to recognise and reward accurate, independent science reporting. The ABSW awards are a showcase for UK and Irish journalists who produce excellent science writing for every imaginable medium, in every possible format, and for every community of interest here and around the world. For those that didn't make it as a finalist you are all commended for your contribution to science and technology journalism in 2025. I look forward to seeing your varied, vital and insightful work continue in 2026 and beyond.
Of note this year were the range of pieces focused on the cuts to scientific research funding in the USA. From Opinion pieces to Radio Programmes the UK and Irelands science media investigated the impact on individuals, institutions and communities both in the USA and internationally.
The big hitter this year is Natasha Loder, Health Editor at the Economist who is a finalist in three categories including the category she won last year with her colleague Sandra Kanthal – the Royal Society Audio Award. Chris Parr, Senior Editor at Research Professional News is a finalist in two categories.
The ABSW Awards are open to entry throughout January each year.
The full list of finalists in all eleven categories can be found here:
https://www.absw.org.uk/pages/meet-the-finalists-absw-awards-2026