The Coverage of Science and the Environment Award is supported by the University of Sydney Faculty of Science
This new award recognises an exceptional contribution to the public’s understanding of science and/or environmental issues by celebrating reporting that educates and engages audiences, and illuminates complex issues.
The award acknowledges journalists covering advances, challenges and concerns in fields such as medicine, science, technology, innovation, climate change, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, deforestation, and pollution.
Judges will consider the overall quality of the journalism, scientific accuracy, and how the reporting brought important new information to light and served the public interest or offered a better understanding of the subject matter. Explainers can also be entered in this category.
Clearly presented and exceptional storytelling across all forms of media will be considered – entries could include writing, data visualisation, audio or video.
About the University of Sydney Faculty of Science
The University of Sydney Faculty of Science is educating the next generation of science talent in Australia, building successful industry partnerships, and driving research that addresses the biggest challenges of the 21st century.
“Journalists are key to communicating the pressing issues in our society to encourage awareness and action. As such, we are the proud education partner for the Coverage of Science and the Environment Award. Thank you for your contribution to this essential storytelling and we wish all applicants the best of luck.” – Professor Marcel Dinger, Dean of Science, Faculty of Science.
For more information about the University of Sydney Faculty of Science visit: www.sydney.edu.au/science
2024 winners
Jessica Longbottom, Elise Kinsella, Madi Chwasta and Joseph Dunstan, ABC, ‘Air Pollution at Southern Cross Station’ (‘Why Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station may have some of the ’least clean’ air in the city’, ‘Living above Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station, Catherine’s family can smell the fumes’, ‘Instagram reel’)
Entries may be a single piece of work or a body of work of up to three pieces. All entries must have been published or broadcast and available in Australia between April 27, 2023 and April 15, 2024.
Each entry to the Mid-Year Celebration of Journalism is judged on how well it responds to:
- the category description; and
- judging criteria (*note additional criteria for this award).
The **additional criteria** judges will pay attention to in this category include:
- Scientific accuracy and knowledge of the subject matter
- Ability to clearly communicate scientific and/or environmental ideas to audiences.
- Improved public understanding of the subject matter
For more information on how judging works, including the judging criteria, please refer to the FAQs.
Your entry must comply with the Terms & Conditions.
For entry support or questions, please contact Margie Smithurst, Senior Manager, Walkley Awards and Mid-Year Celebration of Journalism: margie.smithurst@walkleys.com.