WASHINGTON — The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has unveiled the latest recipients of the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications, a program developed in partnership with Schmidt Sciences. This annual recognition honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional skill and originality in bringing complex scientific topics to the wider public in an accessible and engaging way.
This year’s awards recognize excellence across eight distinct categories, acknowledging scientists, journalists, and professional communicators who have made significant contributions to public science literacy. A total of 24 honorees were selected: nine awards were presented to research scientists who actively communicate their discoveries to broad audiences, nine went to science journalists whose reporting illuminates critical scientific developments, and six recognized outstanding professional science communicators. Each category includes one top honor of $40,000 and two additional awards of $20,000, bringing the total award distribution to $640,000.
Award recipients will gather in Washington, D.C., from November 11 to 14, 2025, where they will be formally celebrated for their contributions and have the opportunity to share their work with peers and the scientific community.
Megan L. Ranney, dean of the Yale School of Public Health and a member of the National Academy of Medicine, chaired the selection committee. She emphasized the significance of effective science communication in shaping public understanding and trust. According to Ranney, the awardees exemplify the transformative role that clear and compelling storytelling can play in science, especially in a world where information flows rapidly and public engagement is essential. She noted that by bridging disciplines, platforms, and audiences, these communicators help society better understand how innovation influences everyday life and future progress. Ranney expressed profound admiration for their creativity and commitment to sparking curiosity and connection.
National Academy of Sciences President Marcia McNutt underscored the essential role public engagement plays in advancing science. She stated that progress in research and innovation can only reach its full potential when the public is empowered to understand, appreciate, and participate in scientific conversations. McNutt praised the honorees for their ability to reach diverse communities and support informed decision-making, pointing out that such efforts strengthen society’s connection to scientific discovery and foster a more knowledgeable and engaged public.
Wendy Schmidt, co-founder of Schmidt Sciences, reflected on the importance of supporting strong science communication, particularly at a time when both scientific work and journalism face challenges related to funding and talent retention. She emphasized that accessible communication is often critical in addressing major societal issues and improving health and well-being. Schmidt acknowledged that clear, accurate scientific storytelling can be the deciding factor between understanding and confusion, truth and misinformation, and in health contexts, even life and death. She celebrated the honorees’ relentless dedication to pursuing clarity, truth, and public insight, calling their contributions essential in guiding society toward knowledge and empowerment.
The Schmidt Awards program highlights an increasingly urgent need for trustworthy, compelling voices in science. In a digital landscape where information spreads at extraordinary speed and misinformation can take root easily, the work of skilled communicators has never been more vital. The recipients recognized this year have demonstrated that effective science communication goes beyond translating data—it builds bridges between research institutions and everyday life, helps communities navigate uncertainty, and fosters a culture where facts and curiosity thrive.
As the United States and the world continue to confront complex challenges ranging from public health crises and climate change to technological transformation and ethical questions in artificial intelligence, these honorees stand out for their commitment to ensuring that the public not only understands scientific developments but feels connected to them. Their contributions uplift science as a shared human endeavor, reinforcing that scientific discovery gains its greatest power when accessible to all.
This year’s awardees serve as powerful examples of the impact that thoughtful communication can have. Through investigative journalism, creative storytelling, innovative digital media, and rigorous research outreach, they are shaping public conversations and inspiring a deeper appreciation for science across generations and communities. Their work signals a continued movement toward democratizing scientific knowledge, empowering individuals with the information necessary to engage in thoughtful dialogue, make informed decisions, and imagine a future shaped by discovery and innovation.
As the upcoming recognition event approaches, the National Academies and Schmidt Sciences continue to emphasize the importance of investing in the people and platforms that connect science with society. Their support of these communicators reflects a broader commitment to elevating trusted voices, encouraging scientific curiosity, and reinforcing the role of knowledge as a foundation for progress.
This year’s cohort of awardees represents not only excellence in communication but also a collective effort to ensure that science remains open, inclusive, and inspiring. Through their work, they remind us that understanding the world is a shared responsibility—and that the way we communicate about science can influence not just public opinion, but the trajectory of our future.
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