Sharon Begley Science Reporting Award
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The Sharon Begley Science Reporting Award, given annually since 2022, recognizes and supports reporting and writing that embodies the high standards embodied by Sharon Begley (1956–2021), an exceptionally skilled science journalist of unflinching dedication, moral clarity, and commitment to mentoring.
The Sharon Begley Award comprises a career prize, recognizing the accomplishments of a mid-career science journalist, and a grant of at least $20,000 to enable the winner to undertake a significant reporting project.
Eligibility
Candidates should have been working journalists for at least 8–10 years, including significant experience in science journalism, or provide equivalent evidence of commitment to the field. Time spent as an editor counts toward eligibility.
CASW aims to consider a highly competitive and highly diverse pool of candidates and encourages all mid- or later-career journalists to consider entering. There is no entry fee, and applications will be accepted online. Staff and independent journalists living and working anywhere in the world are eligible if their work has appeared in news outlets that are available to international audiences. Although the award can be won only once, there is no limit on the number of years one can enter.
For the 2025 award competition, submitted work samples must have been published in English.
Current CASW board members, staff, and contractors, as well as members of their households, are ineligible. Journalists who have served on the Sharon Begley Award Advisory Committee become eligible three years after their service ends.
Submitting Your Entry
The submission window for the third Sharon Begley Award will be open from January 1 to April 30, 2025.
Each entry consists of work samples, a résumé, supporting documents, and a project proposal, which may include a letter of interest from an editor at a prospective publication. Applicants should create a Submittable.com account and follow form instructions carefully. Detailed advice and more information about the award itself may be downloaded from the CASW website or viewed at https://casw.org/awards-fellowships/sharon-begley-science-reporting-award/.
You may begin the entry process at any time, save your work, and return to edit and complete your draft submission later, but all materials must be submitted by midnight (ET) April 30.
Questions? Contact Laura Dattaro. Please feel free to contact us if you need clarification or further detail on the submission requirements. If you currently work in a staff role for a news outlet that would serve as publisher of your project, please contact CASW for advice on the commitments we expect from employers.