Deadline: Friday, 4 July 2025, 17:00 EAT
Applications Open: 14 May 2025
Overview
The Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation) is pleased to announce the second edition of the Africa Science Journalism Awards (ASJA), aimed at recognizing and celebrating excellence in science, health, and development reporting across the continent. This initiative is supported by the Gates Foundation and the World Federation of Science Journalists (WFSJ), reinforcing a commitment to advancing credible and impactful science communication in Africa.
ASJA honours outstanding journalists, editors, and scientists who have contributed meaningfully to improving the public’s understanding of scientific issues relevant to Africa, with a focus on health, climate and environment, and agriculture.
Purpose and Objectives
The awards seek to:
- Recognize journalistic excellence in reporting science and development issues affecting Africa.
- Promote credible science communication and amplify scientific voices across the continent.
- Strengthen the capacity of African journalists through exposure to scientific institutions and experts.
- Encourage African editors to support and expand science journalism in their media houses.
- Celebrate scientists who use media to effectively communicate their work to the public.
Prior to the award announcement, shortlisted candidates will participate in a science journalism workshop. Winners will also have the opportunity to spend 3 to 7 days at a research institution to gain deeper insights into specific scientific fields.
Award Categories and Prizes
1. Best Story – Print and Broadcast
Honours two seasoned journalists (with 5+ years of experience), one in print and one in broadcast, for impactful and in-depth science reporting in any of the SFA Foundation’s focus areas.
Prize: USD 1,500 per winner
2. Early Career Journalist – Print or Broadcast
Recognizes two promising journalists (with less than 5 years of professional experience), one in print and one in broadcast, who demonstrate potential in science journalism.
Prize: USD 1,500 per winner
3. Innovator Award for Editors
Celebrates two editors who have actively promoted science journalism in their newsrooms by supporting science stories and developing a science-focused editorial culture.
Prize: USD 2,000 per winner
4. Science Champion Award
Recognizes a scientist or innovator who has effectively communicated their work through media, helping improve public understanding of science in Africa.
Prize: USD 1,500
In addition to the cash awards, all winners will receive plaques at the World Conference of Science Journalists 2025, the first to be held in Africa. Winners will also be eligible for a pitch fee for stories resulting from their engagement with partner institutions.
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to citizens or permanent residents of African countries who are based primarily in Africa.
- Submissions must focus on one of the following thematic areas: health, climate and environment, or agriculture.
- All entries must have been published or broadcast between January 2024 and 30 June 2025.
- Journalists can only apply to one journalist category (Best Story or Early Career Journalist), but may also submit separately for the Editor’s Award if eligible.
- Editors must represent Africa-based media outlets.
- Scientists applying for the Science Champion Award must have authored or contributed to original content aimed at public audiences.
- Only one entry per category is allowed per applicant.
- All applications must be submitted via the Agaseke Grants Management System (Agaseke GMS).
- Transparency is required: Applicants must disclose whether their work was supported by external funding or grants.
Submission Guidelines
- Best Story (Print or Broadcast): Submit one science-related story.
- Early Career Journalist: Submit one science-related story.
- Editor’s Award: Submit a list of science stories published under the editor’s guidance.
- Science Champion: Submit one piece of science content (e.g., op-ed, feature, video) authored or co-authored by the applicant.
All materials must be uploaded to the Agaseke GMS in accordance with platform instructions. Late submissions will not be considered.
Evaluation Criteria
Submissions will be judged on the following:
For Journalists
- Impact and Relevance: Tackles a pressing science issue and conveys its societal or scientific importance.
- Accuracy and Research Depth: Demonstrates a solid understanding of scientific concepts.
- Clarity and Accessibility: Explains complex topics in an engaging, easy-to-understand manner.
- Creativity and Originality: Uses innovative storytelling techniques and angles.
- Ethical Standards: Adheres to strong journalistic practices and integrity.
For Editors
- Quality and diversity of published science stories.
- Role in nurturing science reporting within the newsroom.
- Editorial influence in shaping impactful science journalism.
For Scientists (Science Champion)
- Ability to simplify and accurately convey scientific content to non-expert audiences.
- Originality and clarity in content creation.
- Contribution to public understanding of science.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via the Agaseke Grants Management System by Friday, 4 July 2025, at 17:00 East African Time (EAT). Late entries or those submitted outside the platform will not be accepted.
Contact Information
For more details or assistance with the application process visit the official Science for Africa website.
Take this opportunity to showcase your work and contribute to the growing ecosystem of science communication across Africa.
Responses