“I’m thrilled that we are able to honor Celina Zhao as the first recipient of the Starks-Murcutt Prize for Excellence in Science Journalism,� said Nancy Shute, editor in chief of Science News Media Group. “She met and exceeded our high standards, and I know she will excel in her career as a science journalist.�

The judging committee, which was composed of senior members of the Science News editorial team, noted that Zhao’s prize-winning article demonstrated a level of skill crucial for covering AI, an emerging area of science that will touch all of our lives in one way or another.

“She had a fearlessness in approaching a topic that many find intimidating and showed a tenacity to dig into all the angles,� said News Director Macon Morehouse, who oversees Science News’ internship program. Senior writer Tina Hesman Saey, chief mentor for the program, noted, “Celina’s enterprise story went beyond the idea that you could simply input data into a calculator and get an answer. The result was an accessible, engaging story that captured the nuance and embraced the uncertainty surrounding AI energy consumption.�

For decades, the Science News Media Group internship program has provided rigorous training in science journalism for talented early career journalists. Interns work full time as journalists starting on day one. The program includes training in reporting, writing and fact-checking for web and print, experience in multimedia journalism and the opportunity to write for younger audiences in Science News Explores.

Former Science News Media Group interns have become leaders at the highest levels of science journalism, working as reporters, editors and producers for news organizations, including National Geographic, Smithsonian and Nature, along with such newspapers as the Washington Post, the San Francisco Chronicle and the Indianapolis Star. Many Science News interns have advanced degrees in science as well as graduate degrees in journalism.

The Starks-Murcutt Prize for Excellence in Science Journalism award was created by Richard Starks and Miriam Murcutt, who both worked as writers, editors and publishers for publications in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom before successfully launching their own publishing company. Since selling their business, Starks and Murcutt have become published authors of fiction and nonfiction books and have established their own imprint. As the holder of a B.Sc. and an M.Sc. degree, Richard has always maintained a keen interest in science journalism and has found Science News to be an excellent way of keeping up-to-date in a wide range of scientific fields; while Miriam, as an arts graduate with an M.A. in English Literature, has long appreciated the accessibility that Science News offers to those readers with little or no training in the scientific disciplines. Their aim in setting up their prize is to support aspiring science writers who commit to creating articles that are accurate, accessible and based on the highest journalistic standards.

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Michelle Benson is a retired letter carrier from Minneapolis, Minnesota, who delivered the mail for the U.S. Postal Service for 32 years. Before hanging up her mailbag for the last time in 2012, Michelle encountered Science News, not as a reader, but as a part of her daily route. This unique introduction to what would become one of her favorite publications has fostered a lasting commitment to science.

“When I was sorting the mail every morning, there were dozens of magazines coming through,â€� said Michelle. “Different magazines jumped out at me and Science News was one of them.ÌýI don’t remember the first time I noticed Science News, but I’ve been subscribing for over three decades.â€�

One of the first stories to catch her eye was about dinosaurs, one of her favorite subjects. But she has accumulated no shortage of other favorite articles throughout the years.

She recalled being amazed and asking herself, “Where else can you learn that , that lived over a million years ago, Marie Antoinette’s , or that there are in a pound of fat, many more than in bone marrow?�

Michelle credits her father, Peter Benson, who first encouraged her to pursue a career with the USPS, with making education a family priority. That influence helped spur her lifelong curiosity about the natural world, as well as her belief in the power of science and scientific innovation.

“I believe that if you value something, you should invest in it,� she said. “That is why I subscribe to Science News magazine. I believe that science will save this planet and now that we have artificial intelligence, anything is possible. I believe in supporting anyone that has the passion to make this world healthier and more connected.�

Her support goes beyond words. In addition to subscribing to Science News, Michelle has supported the Society’s work as a member and through generous over the past decade. Support from people like Michelle makes the Society’s mission possible, ensuring that every young person can strive to become an engineer or scientist.

While Michelle’s introduction to Science News was unique, we hope the curiosity that has kept her reading all these years is not. Michelle herself is helping to share her interest in science with the world.

“I often bring Science News to read on the bus,â€� she said.Ìý“I’ve been known to share, like, ‘Excuse me, do you want to hear something really cool?’â€�

We help people see science everywhere. Join 91µ¼º½ by December 31 and have your contribution matched! Support the organization that powers the next generation of problem solvers.

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“Congratulations to Dr. Lupsasca on exemplifying what it means to be an outstanding scientist and an extraordinary science communicator,â€� said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of 91µ¼º½ and Executive Publisher of Science News. “Great science can only reach its full potential when it is communicated with ease and eloquence.â€�

Lupsasca is a theorist specializing in black holes, classical and quantum gravity and relativistic astrophysics. He is currently developing a NASA mission proposal to launch a satellite into Earth orbit that will take the sharpest images in the history of astronomy: the Black Hole Explorer (BHEX), which is designed to peer all the way down to the event horizon of a black hole and measure the “photon ring� of light that orbits around it.

Lupsasca is a co-recipient of the 2024 New Horizons in Physics Prize from the Breakthrough Foundation and received the 2024 IUPAP General Relativity and Gravitation Early Career Scientist Prize from the International Society on General Relativity & Gravitation for his work on black hole imaging.

He received his undergraduate and Ph.D. degrees from Harvard University and was a Junior Fellow at the Harvard Society of Fellows before joining the Princeton Gravity Initiative as an Associate Research Scholar.

The four-member Graff Prize selection committee said they were impressed with Lupsasca’s “genuine excitement� about studying black holes. They shared that Lupsasca explains complex ideas in a clear, engaging way that captures why his work around black holes is important.

In choosing a winner of the Graff Prize, the selection committee considered the scientists’ ability to communicate the long-term value of their work for society, something donor Jon C. Graff, Ph.D. prized in a science communicator. A Science News reader since 1974, Graff was a pioneer in digital cryptography. Graff passed away in January 2021.

About 91µ¼º½
91µ¼º½ is a champion for science, dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement. Established in 1921, 91µ¼º½ is best known for its award-winning journalism throughÌýScience NewsÌýandÌýScience News Explores, its world-class science research competitions for students, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, and its 91µ¼º½ programming that seeks to ensure that all students have an opportunity to pursue a career in 91µ¼º½. A 501(c)(3) membership organization, 91µ¼º½ is committed to inform, educate and inspire. Learn more atÌýÌýand follow us on ,Ìý/X,Ìý and .

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This series celebrates scientists selected from a pool of more than 60 nominees recommended by Nobel Laureates and recently elected members of the National Academy of Sciences. A team of Science News writers, many with deep expertise in their fields, chose the final group based on their potential to shape the future of science.

Check out the profiles of the 2025 Scientists to Watch below!

, University of Maryland

Erika Moore studies uterine fibroids, noncancerous tumors in the uterus. Having experienced fibroids herself, she is driven to understand their molecular underpinnings and related conditions. Fibroids can cause anemia, pain, reproductive complications as well as heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding.

, Vanderbilt University and OpenAI

Alex Lupsasca is a theoretical physicist exploring black holes and what’s called a , a tendril-thin halo that has the power to reveal secrets from the black hole’s edge. He is the project scientist for the Black Hole Explorer, whose goal is to put a space-based radio telescope into the Earth’s orbit in 2031.

, Southwest Research Institute

Adeene Denton is a planetary scientist at the Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, Colorado, with a love for Pluto. This passion was first ignited during her undergraduate internship at the Lunar and Planetary Institute in Houston. Today, she studies how collisions between planets, moons and other bodies shaped the solar system, with her simulations revealing an intriguing story for Pluto’s moon, Charon.

Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis

Cat Camacho studies how children’s brains process emotions and how brain development affects their mental health. Camacho, who was a first-generation college student, now leads a laboratory imaging infants’ brains to see how early experiences shape their emotional development, including risks for depression and anxiety.

, Université TÉLUQ

Marianne Falardeau, a polar marine ecologist at Université TÉLUQ in Quebec City, Canada, is studying how climate-driven shifts in Arctic ecosystems affect food security, health and cultural practices in Indigenous coastal communities. By working with these communities, she incorporates their knowledge and perspectives to better understand how Arctic coastal regions may change in the years ahead.

Ìý

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Science News today announced that the 104-year-old news organization is launching its first podcast, . Demystifying depression, piquing curiosity about brain science, and inviting wonder about how our brains create our minds, host and veteran neuroscience reporter Laura Sanders will also share the stories of people helping to test deep brain stimulation, a cutting edge treatment.

An audio trailer is available now. The podcast begins Monday, February 10 with new weekly episodes on Mondays. The series is available free on-demand via all major podcast listening destinations––including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music––through Peabody Award-winning public media organization ’s podcast distribution platform.

On the The Deep End, listeners will meet Jon Nelson, who lives in a picturesque small town northeast of Philadelphia. He’s a dad, a husband and works in marketing. On the outside, Jon and his family lived a charmed life. But inside, Jon was in a private hell, fighting severe, treatment-resistant depression.

Jon is part of the mental health crisis raging within the United States right now, with depression rates at an all time high. And mental health care is expensive and hard to find, leaving many people suffering. In the first season of The Deep End, Science News is inviting listeners into Jon’s world and the lives of other people who represent the 2.8 million people in the United States who live each day with this type of relentless depression. These people have tried every medication, therapy, and treatment available and found no relief – many have contemplated or attempted suicide.

Through her reporting, Laura provides a thorough exploration of deep brain stimulation, which relies on permanent wires implanted into very specific regions of a patient’s brain in an attempt to change the electrical signals there and eliminate their suffering.

“Science News is proud to have our first podcast be dedicated to exploring this critical issue. Our hope is that through ‘The Deep End,’ we can spark meaningful conversations on the need for more effective treatments for depression and to reduce the stigma around depression,â€� said Nancy Shute, Science News Editor in Chief.Ìý “I’m thrilled that we can share this extraordinary work with podcast lovers worldwide.â€�

With empathy and rich storytelling, Laura draws on over a decade of reporting to take listeners into the science of the brain, the ethics of brain implants and questions of identity, of what makes a person who they are. And, above all, she shares a story of hope – for Jon, his family and the millions of people struggling around the world.

This podcast was produced with support from PRX, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund.

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Science News, Science News Explores and Science News Learning have all developed materials aimed at educating the public on how to safely view the eclipse.

Science News coverage

Science News has already published several stories about the eclipse. Check them out!

• : Reporter James R. Riordan details what is so special about this eclipse.
• ÌýJames R. Riordan provides a few ways that citizen scientists can help, including downloading the SunSketcher app to help determine the shape of the sun.
• : Reporter Tina Hesman Saey explains why some colors may look different during the eclipse.

And there is more coverage to come!

• Look out for videos on what knowledge we can glean from the eclipse, the effects on the Earth’s atmosphere and the behavior of animals during a total solar eclipse.
• Science News will feature tips from on observing an eclipse. Maria was the first American woman to discover a comet—her tips are just as relevant today as they were in the 1800s.
• Stay tuned for our last-minute guide for watching the eclipse.
• Science News astronomy writer Adam Mann will be in Dallas to provide live coverage of the eclipse and will also attend the immediately afterward.
• Planetary scientist Padma Yanamandra-Fisher, who is researching the differences between solar minimum and maximum phases, will be participating in a Q&A session discussing the eclipse.

Science News Explores coverage

Science News Explores has already released a wealth of coverage that will help students aged 9 and up to better understand the eclipse! Visit the Society’s solar eclipse page to access the full solar eclipse edition of Science News Explores.

• : This story by James R. Riordan explains what is so special about this eclipse.
• : Aaron Tremper interviews space physicist Nathanal Frissell, who is leading a worldwide effort to collect data during the solar eclipse.
• : James R. Riordan highlights how amateur scientists can help with solar eclipse research.
• : Reporter Maria Temming explains a solar cycle.

Science News Learning activities

Science News Learning is excited to be one of the many groups participating in the . As a part of this initiative, a selection of schools participating in the Science News Learning program, situated in the path of totality, have been provided with free Solar Eclipse Experience Kits and other special resources.

The Solar Eclipse Experience Kit includes essential items such as eclipse glasses, a Celestron Eclipsmart Solar Filter for a 6� Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, a Celestron Starsence Explorer LT 80AZ Smartphone App-Enabled Refractor Telescope and a Yardstick Eclipse Activity Kit.

Science News Learning schools have also received a classroom activity titled “Prepare Your Community for the Eclipse.� This activity, available to all educators on the Science News website, guides students to learn more about eclipses. Through this activity, students will hone their scientific communication skills by creating a video about the upcoming total eclipse on April 8, 2024. Head to see the activity and download the accompanying lesson plan and student worksheet.

Join the 91µ¼º½ and the Science News communities as we come together to celebrate this momentous event!

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This March let’s look back nearly thirty years and celebrate a few of the women who have made the Society what it is today.

Dorothy Schriver: Director of the Science Talent Search and International Science and Engineering Fair (1942 – 1990)

Dorothy Schriver was instrumental in launching the Westinghouse Science Talent Search (STS) in 1942 and served as its director for 28 years. She was also the director of the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), and in 1985 was awarded a NASA Public Service Award for her work on ISEF. Dorothy was a tireless for STS and ISEF finalists throughout her tenure. In her retirement, Dorothy volunteered at Sibley Hospital in Washington, D.C. She in May of 2007.

Ann Ewing: Physical Science and Astronomy Writer, Science Service (1949 – 1969)

Ann Ewing reported on astronomy, physics and medicine for Science Service and is as the first journalist to use the term “black hole� in science journalism. In 1942 Ann joined the Navy and served overseas as a lieutenant and journalist during the Second World War. In 1952, Ann joined the Washington Press Club and was one of the first female members of the National Press Club once they began to admit women. She lived in the D.C. area for most of her life and in July of 2010.

Julie Ann Miller:
Editor in Chief, Science News (1995 – 2007)

Julie Ann Miller began her career at Science News as a life sciences writer in 1976 and remained in that position until 1986. She then left for a position at another monthly peer-reviewed scientific journal, BioScience, where she served as an editor until she returned to Science News as the Editor in Chief in 1995. Julie led the magazine through the first redesign in its history and oversaw the creation of the online version of Science News as well as Science News for Kids. After her 12-year tenure at Science News, Julie became the Senior Manager of Publications for RTI International, and then transitioned to the role of Associate Director of Content Development for the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. She is currently retired.

President and CEO, 91µ¼º½ (2005 – 2013)

Elizabeth Marincola served as President and CEO of 91µ¼º½ from 2005 to 2013. Before coming to the Society, Elizabeth was the Executive Director of The American Society for Cell Biology from 1991 to 2005. During her eight years at the Society, she worked with Science News Editor in Chief Julie Ann Miller on the magazine’s first redesign, launching Kindle and iPad editions of the magazine to make it more accessible in an increasingly digital world. She also helped to revamp the website to include the latest stories in science. After her time at 91µ¼º½ she became the CEO of the Public Library of Science until 2016. She now serves as the Senior Advisor for Open Science for the Alliance for Excellence in Science in Africa, the African Academy of Sciences and the Science for Africa Foundation.

: Editor in Chief, Science News (2012-2017)

Eva Emerson became Editor in Chief of Science News in 2012, after serving as Managing Editor of the magazine for five years. Before coming to the Society, Eva was Associate Editor of the Office of Communications at the University of Southern California Dornsife College of Letters, Arts & Sciences, where she edited and wrote for the alumni magazine and other campus publications. She was also a science content coordinator for the Magic School Bus television show from 1995 to 1996. Eva is currently the Editor in Chief at Knowable Magazine.

Explore the Society’s history further .

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So began Marcel Chotkowski LaFollette during a recent hosted by Science News and MIT Press on her book Writing for Their Lives: America’s Pioneering Female Science Journalists. Marcel, a historian and author, uncovered the untold stories of eight female science journalists who helped pave the way not only for other women in journalism, but also made significant contributions to science journalism in general. This was a special event for Science News, as the trailblazing journalists discussed in the book were reporters for Science Service, which would later become 91µ¼º½, publisher of Science News.

An independent historian and research associate at the Smithsonian Institution Archives, Marcel has spent years researching science journalism and written books on the Scopes trial as well as covered science on both radio and television. Her most recent book dives into the lives of the female journalists of Science Service, and in doing so explores their role in the founding of science journalism itself.

On Wednesday, November 15, Marcel joined Science News Executive Editor Elizabeth Quill and viewers to answer questions on her new book and to share just a small slice of the history of the journalists she chronicles in the book. Like all the best historians, Marcel clearly cares about her subjects as both historically significant figures and as individuals, offering glimpses into their rich and exciting personal lives through postscripts and asides found in their correspondence. She describes with tenderness the risks, setbacks and triumphs of these journalists as they took on two male-dominated worlds at once: science and journalism.

At the time of its creation, Science Service was intended to combat misinformation and pseudoscience through accessible and straightforward science journalism, a goal carried forward today. In the face of prevailing skepticism and distrust toward science, this goal remains as urgent as it was at Science Service’s founding and is buoyed by the precedent set by the steadfast journalism and sense of curiosity fostered by the female journalists Marcel describes.

As Marcel writes you can picture a young Emma Reh, her marriage beginning to unravel, setting out for Mexico to be a stringer for Science Service and other news services, charting her own course in the newly unfolding world of science journalism. What began as one year turned into eight, and through studying Emma’s journalism and her correspondence with colleagues and friends, Marcel was able to learn how Emma fell in love with the culture, the people and the archeology of Mexico and become an incredibly skilled and trusted reporter on archeology. Emma’s correspondence, along with the correspondence of other female journalists at the Science Service, helped Marcel to understand what it was like to be a woman making a living through journalism at a time when financial independence was still out of reach for so many women.

At the time these women were working for Science Service within the field of science journalism. The world of science had a high bar for entry, and for many who were already part of the club, this meant information shared with the public should be limited. However, these women were determined to make scientific discovery accessible to the American public, especially on issues that impacted their readers like health and medicine.

Marcel explained in her talk that “all these people, Jane, Emily, and their colleagues all shared in common a love of science, love of writing, and a real desire to communicate what they were learning about science to members of the public.”

By leading with empathy and respect for their readers, these pioneering journalists were part of the democratization of scientific discovery and innovation.  

In her book, Marcel paints a vivid picture of the late 1910s and early 1920s. During this time, women’s suffrage top of mind and the evolving rights of women in the workplace introduced unthinkable opportunities that were previously unimaginable. This changing climate dovetailed with the serendipitous hiring of Edwin E. Slosson as Science Service’s first news director, a man who just so happened to be married to a suffragist and was himself a strong supporter of women’s rights. Edwin found himself needing to build a newsroom, and to do so opened his door wider than those before him had.

“[Edwin] said, if you can write … and you’re interested about science, then I’ll hire you or at least give you a chance,â€� Marcel explained. “And this was an unusual opportunity for young women [and] women in science who wanted to write about science.â€�

This open door brought in Jane Stafford, who was born into a wealthy Chicago family and attended Smith College where she fell in love with science and medicine. After graduating she worked for the American Medical Association before finding her way to Science Service where she reported on medical innovations. She would eventually become one of the premier medical journalists in the country.  As a young journalist, she was determined to cover the issues her readers found relevant regardless of their perceived “propriety,â€� including the newest research on venereal disease and pregnancy.

Through her research, Marcel not only discovered the breadth and depth of the reporting these women undertook, but also gained a sense of the relationships between them and what working in the Science Service newsroom must have been like for these women. When describing the correspondence she found, Marcel remarked on the humor these women shared, as well as the support and encouragement they offered one another.  Some of these women, including Jane Stafford and Helen Davis, worked together at the Science Service for decades, creating a passionate team which covered some of the biggest news of the twentieth century.

On August 6 of 1945 the United States attacked the Japanese city of Hiroshima, and on August 9 a second bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. Science journalism had never been more crucial, and Science Service was tasked with explaining this new technology of war to a reeling American public. Five reporters were stationed at the Science Service offices from August 6 to 9, and between them they covered the implications of the atom bomb across chemistry, physics, medicine, biology, psychology and its societal impacts.

“This was the biggest story of [these journalists] lives,� Marcel said.

At the close of August 9 all the Science Service newsroom knew was two bombs had been dropped on civilian cities, but on August 12 the Smyth Report was released, describing the efforts of making the bomb and the journalists had a new challenge. However, unlike the day before, on August 10 only three journalists were present to cover this latest development. All three of them happened to be women. Helen Davis, Jane Stafford and Marjorie Van de Water worked together to get one of the biggest science stories of the century on the wire.

“One of the things that I have come to admire about these women, as I’ve gotten to know them through the years, is their ability to cooperate and collaborate,â€� Marcel remarked. “The other [is] their concern and empathy for the people outside of the news office.â€�

The existential realization of the atom bomb certainly required empathetic reporting along with a collaborative effort to keep the American public informed, and these impressive women more than rose to the task.

These triumphs of journalism were joined by more than a fair share of challenges. In covering the field of medicine, Jane Stafford often came up against the sexism. For example, when she was invited to cover a medical seminar only to be told later that she couldn’t attend because it was being held in a men’s-only club. Stafford co-founded the National Association of Science Writers to help give journalists a platform, but she found even that didn’t grant her access when an event was organized to honor the Association at a venue that Stafford was once again barred from entering.

The eight women profiled in Writing for Their Lives fought for their spots in the world of journalism, and in doing so helped build and define the field of science journalism. Throughout Marcel’s book these women shimmer off the pages, coming to life as professionals and individuals passionate about science and the importance of making it accessible for the public.

Writing for Their Lives can be purchased through .

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For the eighth year,ÌýScience NewsÌýis spotlighting 10 early- and mid-career scientists with innovative ideas and unique skill sets who are applying their talents to shape our future and our understanding of ourselves. The researchers on this year’s SN 10: Scientists to Watch list are tackling challenges ranging from climate change to Alzheimer’s disease to building a more equitable society.

This year’s scientists come from a pool of more than 100, nominated by members of the National Academy of Sciences, former SN 10 scientists and Science News readers. A team of Science News writers and editors — many experts in their fields — selected the scientists for their potential to shape the science of the future.

“The SN 10 honorees are not only poised to make a tremendous impact on our world but also understand the crucial power of collaboration,� said Nancy Shute, Science News Editor in Chief. “Many of these scientists shared that they have a high regard for the value that multiple perspectives can bring to their work.�

Science News is proud to present this year’s :

1. Daniel Blanco-Melo, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
2. Róisín Commane, Columbia University
3. Daphne Martschenko, Stanford University
4. Julian Muñoz, University of Texas at Austin
5. Deblina Sarkar, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
6. Lauren Schroeder, University of Toronto
7. Quinton Smith, University of California, Irvine
8. Clara Sousa-Silva, Bard College
9. Berkley Walker, Michigan State University
10. Marjorie Weber, University of Michigan

Each year, 91µ¼º½, which publishes Science News, names one scientist from the SN 10 list as the winner of the $1,000 Jon C. Graff, Ph.D. Prize for Excellence in Science Communication. The 2023 Selection Committee awarded the Graff Prize to Clara Sousa-Silva, Assistant Professor of Physics at Bard College.

The committee, which praised Dr. Sousa-Silva’s dynamic communication style and her ability to explain clearly an often abstract field of science to a range of audiences with enthusiasm, was composed of five alumni of the Society’s science research competitions. A Science News reader since 1974, donor Jon Graff was a pioneer in digital cryptography. Graff died in 2021 and through his estate created an endowed fund that will support this annual prize in perpetuity.

“Congratulations to the SN 10 honorees and to Dr. Sousa-Silva for winning the Jon C. Graff, Ph.D. Prize for Excellence in Science Communication,â€� said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of 91µ¼º½ and Executive Publisher of Science News. “These pioneering scientists are leading the way in groundbreaking discoveries. I look forward to following their careers and learning about their latest achievements.â€�

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In its fourth year, the 91µ¼º½ Writing Contest invited teenagers from all over the world to choose an issue or question in science, technology, engineering, math or health, and then write an engaging 500-word explanation that would be understood by scientists and nonscientists alike. Other thought-provoking topics this year included the impact of laughter on the human body, the effects of blue light from technology and multiple essays on artificial intelligence.

“We are thrilled to partner with The New York Times for the fourth year in a row on the 91µ¼º½ Writing Contest, which engages young people globally to explore and explain complex scientific ideas in accessible and exciting ways,â€� said Nancy Shute, Editor in Chief of Science News. “Science and technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace making the ability to communicate science clearly and concisely essential. It’s encouraging to see the immense potential of the next generation of science communicators. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!â€�

The New York Times Learning Network received over 3,000 submissions from middle and high school students between the ages of 13-19, hailing from national and international locations. To provide some guidance, the Learning Network posted an educational activity called “,” created by Science News Learning, a program of 91µ¼º½ and Science News that offers evidence-based science journalism and classroom lesson plans to educators.

The judging panel was comprised of esteemed individuals from the 91µ¼º½ education, science journalism, and professional writing fields, including educators who consistently incorporate Science News Learning materials in their classrooms. 91µ¼º½ played a pivotal role in promoting the contest to teachers and their audiences, stressing the competition’s focus on science literacy and communication. After careful evaluation by the judges, 10 talented winners were selected. In addition to the winners, the judges recognized 11 runners-up and 23 honorable mentions from the finalist pool.

The 2023 91µ¼º½ Writing Contest winners are:

Andrei Li: “� (age 18, Monarch Park Collegiate, Toronto, Ontario)

Catherine Ji: “� (age 14, New Trier High School, Wilmette, Ill.)

Daphne Zhu: “� (age 15, Lynbrook High School, San Jose, Calif.)

Erica Frischauf: “� (age 16, Lakewood High School, Lakewood, Ohio)

Judah Spiegel: “� (age 14, Albany High School, Albany, Calif.)

Justin Wang: “� (age 16, Alhambra High School, Alhambra, Calif.)

Leah Li: “� (age 14, Milton Academy, Pearland, Texas)

Logan Ramanathan: “� (age 17, The Nueva School, Los Altos Hills, Calif.)

Siwen Cui: “� (age 18, Kent School, Kent, Conn.)

Yejin (Jenny) Son: “� (age 17, Chadwick International School, Songdo, South Korea)

Read more about the winners here: 

Michael Gonchar, editor of The New York Times Learning Network, noted, “This is our fourth year running our 91µ¼º½ Writing Contest for middle and high school students, and just like in previous years, we are fascinated by the diverse range of topics — from the possibilities of bioprinting and muography to the powers of glass frogs and wax worms. We were thrilled to see the wide range of topics that students chose to explore and write about in this year’s contest.â€�

Applicants were required to submit entries guided by mentor texts provided by both Science News and The New York Times science section. Essays were then judged on how well a scientific concept was not only captured and explained but also on other writing elements, such as an engaging hook, an explanation of why the topic is important, accurate citation of expert sources, focus and clarity as well as analysis. Effective communication of scientific concepts is a critical skill that can benefit individuals of all ages, and this competition serves as an excellent platform to develop and hone these skills.

Thank you to all of our contest judges.

From the 91µ¼º½ Community: Victoria Bampoh, Jennifer Donnelly, Phebe Martinez Fuentes, Terianne Hall, Lori Herbsman, Meghan Hess, Kehakashan Khan, Jefferson Marshall, Amanda Nix, Dawn Parker, Amy Telford, Peggy Veatch, Jieun Yoo

From The New York Times Science-Journalism Community: David Brown, Shannon Stirone

From The Learning Network Community: Kathryn Curto, Shannon Doyne, Jeremy Engle, Caroline Gilpin, Michael Gonchar, Annissa Hambouz, Simon Levien, Keith Meatto, Natalie Proulx, Trishna Ramsamooj, Katherine Schulten, Vanessa Vieux

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