The Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation) is launching the inaugural Africa Science Journalism Awards (ASJA) with the goal of promoting accurate reporting on health, science, and development. These awards recognize and honor exceptional journalism that covers science and innovation in Africa while also aiming to enhance and expand the coverage of science on the continent. ASJA is a project of the SFA Foundation, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Rationale for the Awards: The ASJA will be granted to African journalists who cover the SFA Foundation’s thematic areas of health, climate change, environment, and agriculture. The awards also include a category for scientists, aimed at elevating credible voices in science to counteract misinformation, especially prevalent on social media.
Preceding Activities: A science journalism workshop will precede the awards announcement, attended by shortlisted nominees and science editors. Additionally, two prize winners will have the opportunity to spend 3 to 7 days at a partner institution, interacting with scientists to deepen their understanding of specific scientific subjects relevant to their country or region.
Objectives: The ASJA aims to:
- Establish an annual award recognizing excellence in science journalism.
- Contribute to the pool of skilled science journalists in Africa.
- Enhance the capacity of African science journalists through workshops and site visits, enabling them to gain in-depth knowledge about specific scientific topics.
Entry Categories and Prizes:
- Innovative Science Journalist Award: Recognizes journalists whose coverage demonstrates the real-world impact of science or sparks discussions leading to systemic or policy changes that benefit Africans. Prize: $3,000.
- Science Journalism Media Organization of the Year: Awarded to a news outlet that shapes public perceptions through its science coverage. Prize: $5,000.
- Best News Story or Feature: Presented to a journalist creatively shedding light on current science-related topics and consistently raising public awareness about health, climate change, environment, and agriculture. Prize: $2,000.
- Innovator Editors/Editors Award: Acknowledges editors who champion science coverage within their newsrooms. Prize: $2,500.
- Science Champion Award: Recognizes scientists and innovators who have leveraged media platforms to elevate the visibility of science in Africa. Prize: $1,500.
In addition to monetary rewards, winners will receive plaques at a prominent pan-African science conference. One or two winners also have the opportunity to spend several days at a partner academic or research institution, further enhancing their understanding of a specific science subject.
All categories are open to print, broadcast, and online media.
Submission Process: Applicants can submit as follows:
- One entry for Innovative Science Journalist
- Two stories for Best News Story
- One story for Best Feature Stories
- Three stories for Editor’s Award
Submissions must be made via the Agaseke Grants Management System (Agaseke GMS).
Selection Criteria: The awards seek to recognize:
- Journalists and media outlets making a positive impact through their coverage of science.
- Editors contributing to science and innovation advancement.
Stories will be evaluated based on:
- Relevance and reach, including catalyzing policy changes or attracting widespread readership.
- Quality and creativity, such as presenting complex concepts for non-scientific audiences, engaging storytelling, and unique perspectives.
Eligibility: Applicants may submit the specified number of entries per category for stories published between January 2022 and August 30, 2023. All categories are open to African journalists writing for local or global print, broadcast, and online media outlets. Submissions must align with the SFA Foundation’s thematic areas: health, climate, environment, and agriculture.
Application Deadline: Submit applications via Agaseke GMS, the SFA Foundation grants portal, by 31 August 2023 at 5 PM EAT
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