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Published: 14 Dec 2023 294 views
The Victor K. McElheny award recognizes outstanding coverage of science, public-health, technology, or environmental issues at the local or regional level. Winners will receive a $10,000 award and be honored at a ceremony hosted by the Knight Science Journalism Program at MIT.
The Victor K. McElheny award is made possible by the generous support of Victor K. McElheny and his wife, Ruth McElheny, and the Rita Allen Foundation.
The Knight Science Journalism Program at MIT seeks to advance science journalism in the public interest by nurturing and enhancing the ability of journalists to accurately and thoughtfully illuminate science and its intersection with human culture. Launched in 1983 under the guidance of founding director, Victor McElheny, the program is among the most distinguished journalism fellowships in the world, housed in MIT’s acclaimed Program in Science, Technology, and Society, located in the MIT School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. The KSJ vision was recognized early as an essent... continue reading
| Application Deadline | 31 Jan 2024 |
| Country to study | United States |
| Type | Contest |
| Course to study | View courses |
| Sponsor | Knight Science Journalism |
| Gender | Men and Women |
Each year, the award honors a single entry be it a series or standalone piece — with a $10,000 prize.
Who can enter?
Freelance or staff journalists working for independent news organizations are welcome to submit their work. Media outlets may also submit entries on journalists’ behalf.
As the award honors small and regional markets in the United States, media outlets must be based in the United States. Outlets with a large staff and emphasis on a national audience are not eligible for the award.
What kinds of pieces are eligible?
We welcome works of local or regional journalism from the preceding calendar year that include substantial reporting on issues relating to science, public health, technology, or the environment. Submissions may be individual pieces, or a series of up to three works on a related theme. Entries may be works of broadcast, print, or digital journalism. Audio and video entries should be no longer than 60 minutes in total.
What does “local or regional” mean for this award?
To encourage wide participation, we define “local or regional” broadly. We will accept science stories from newspapers, small magazines and digital sites, broadcasters, podcasters, even bloggers — as long as the platform’s primary mission is to serve a local or regional audience.
My local reporting was produced in partnership with a national news outlet. Is it eligible?
A story is eligible for the Victor McElheny award provided (1) the local or regional media outlet can demonstrate a significant contribution to the work and (2) the story had a local or regional focus.
My piece isn’t in English. Can I apply?
Yes, but your submitted piece must be accompanied by an English translation.
How are entries judged?
Submissions will be judged by a panel of distinguished science journalists. Emphasis will be put on investigative, community-service, and compelling narrative journalism that breaks new ground and makes a difference. In the words of Victor McElheny: “The prize can help illustrate a continuing contribution to the maximum level of public understanding of what technology and science are achieving, and what these achievements imply for humanity.”
When will winners be announced?
We announce the winner(s) of the Victor McElheny award in the spring.
How do I submit my work?
Entrants will complete a submission form, uploading their work using the specified file formats or provide a permanent URL. The submission form will open on December 1, 2023 and close on January 31, 2024.
An entry is an individual piece, or a series of up to three works on a related theme. An individual or media outlet may submit up to three entries.
There is no entry fee. However, please remember that each applicant may submit at most three entries.
Should I include a cover letter?
Definitely. Tell us in 300 words how your piece impacted the community you cover — and why you think it stands out as meaningful journalism.
Entries for the 2024 McElheny Award will be accepted between December 1, 2023, and January 31, 2024.
For more details visit: knight Science Journalism website.