Applications open for Africa Science Journalism Awards

By recognising and rewarding exceptional journalism, ASJA aims to amplify the visibility and impact of science coverage on the continent. This initiative, supported by the Gates Foundation, reflects the SFA Foundation’s commitment to advancing science communication in Africa, with additional support from the World Federation of Science Journalists.

Focus Areas

• The ASJA are dedicated to recognising African journalists who excel in covering health, climate change and environment, and agriculture – thematic focus areas for the SFA Foundation.

Objectives

• ASJA seeks to:
  • Establish an award that honours excellence in science journalism, focusing on the SFA Foundation’s key thematic areas of health, climate change and environment, and agriculture.
  • Expand the pool of science journalists across the continent.
  • Strengthen the capacity of African science journalists, enabling them to gain in-depth knowledge on specific scientific topics.

Categories

• Best Story – Print and Broadcast: This category honours two seasoned journalists, one in print and one in broadcast, whose in-depth and compelling science reporting has significantly shaped public understanding of key issues such as health, climate change and environment, and agriculture.
• Early Career Journalist – Print or Broadcast: This category recognises two promising journalists, one in print and one in broadcast, who are in the early stages of their careers and show exceptional potential in science reporting.
• Innovator Award for Editors: This award acknowledges two editors who have championed science journalism within their newsrooms by encouraging and expanding coverage of science-related stories.
• Science Champion: Recognises a scientist or innovator who has effectively utilised online and traditional platforms to elevate the visibility of their work and promote science across the continent.

Prize Information

• Best Story – Print and Broadcast: Each winner in this category will receive $1,500.
• Early Career Journalist – Print or Broadcast: Each winner in this category will receive $1,500.
• Innovator Award for Editors: Each winner will receive $2,000.
• Science Champion:  The prize for this category is $1,500.

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to journalists who are citizens or permanent residents of an African country, and who are permanently or primarily resident in Africa, working in local or international print, broadcast, or online media. Submissions may be published by either local or international outlets, provided the reporting is rooted in the African context.
• Entries must focus on health, climate and environment, or agriculture, as outlined by the SFA Foundation’s thematic areas.
• Submissions must have been published between January 2024 and June 30th, 2025.
• Editors applying for the Editor’s Award must represent publications based only in Africa.
• All categories are open to entries from print, broadcast, and online media.
• Applicants may submit only one entry in the journalist categories (either Best Story or Early Career Journalist), not both. This distinction ensures a clear separation between seasoned and early-career journalists.
• Applicants in the journalist category may also submit a separate entry for the Editor’s Award category.
• Each applicant may submit one entry per category in the Editor’s Award and Science Champion categories.

Selection Criteria

• Judges will consider the following:
  • Impact and Reach:
    • The story addresses a significant and timely science-related issue relevant to African audiences.
    • The reporting effectively conveys the importance of the topic and its broader scientific or societal context.
    • The story is well-structured and engaging, ensuring accessibility to a wide audience.
  • Quality and Creativity:
    • The story is well-researched, factually accurate, and demonstrates a clear grasp of the subject matter.
    • Complex scientific ideas are explained in a way that is accessible, engaging, and easy to understand.
    • The storytelling approach is original and compelling, with a strong narrative that captivates the audience.
    • The journalist demonstrates creativity in framing the story, using innovative angles or storytelling techniques to enhance reader or viewer interest.
    • The piece demonstrates strong journalistic integrity, thorough research, and responsible reporting.

Application Criteria

• Applicants are required to submit their entries as follows:
  • Best News Story: 1 story
  • Early Career Journalist: 1 story
  • Editor’s Award: List of stories published within the stated period that shows commitment to science journalism
  • Science Champion: 1 story.

For more information, visit Science for Africa Foundation.