Excellence in Institutional Writing Awards

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How to Use this Site

To access the Awards Entry site, you need to be logged in.  Click the button on the left to login.  NASW members and those who already have NASW Guest Accounts can use their existing NASW website login information. New users will be prompted to create a new Guest Account.

When you are logged in, you will see a menu on the left.  Before you are able to see options for creating entries, you will need to complete the information under "My Profile."  Once you save your profile, click here to begin an entry. Once you have finished your entry, click "Add to Cart." You can then choose to add additional entries or follow the steps and click "Finalize." You will see an acknwledgement onscreen and receive a confirmation email after successful submission. You may add additional entries (be sure to check the rules for category limits) anytime until the close of the entry period. Be sure to create your entry and complete all steps of the online entry process by 11:59PM EST on February 1, 2024. Your entry is not complete until you receive a confirmation email.

The Purpose

The National Association of Science Writers established the Excellence in Institutional Writing Award to recognize high-caliber, publicly accessible science writing produced on behalf of an institution or other non-media organization. We especially seek to recognize science writing that is shaped by a variety of perspectives, because such writing enables us to tell more broadly relevant stories that better serve our readers and communities. Therefore, we consider diversity in topics, sources, audience and authors to be a critical component of excellence. A committee of accomplished peers judges the entries each year. 

The Awards

In 2024, NASW will give awards in two categories based on length.

• Short-form: A single piece or story package up to 1,500 words, a single broadcast up to 4  minutes long, or a combined package up to an equivalent total length.

• Long-form: A single piece or story package of more than 1,500 words, a single broadcast more than 4 minutes long, or a combined package exceeding the short-form length limit.

Note: Captions are not included in the total count.

Prizes

NASW will award separate cash prizes of $2,000 for writing judged best in each of the categories. Only authors and producers listed on the original submission will be recognized by the awards. The awards will be announced in October, and travel costs for one (1) representative to attend the ScienceWriters2024 conference and accept the award will be provided. In cases of multiple authors or producers, the prize money will be split between the entrants at their discretion. However, the prize money is intended for content authors or producers, not publications or news organizations.

Entry Fee

There is no submission fee for current members of NASW. The entry fee for non-members and those entering on behalf of members but who are not members themselves is $45 per entry. Curious about membership and want to save on fees? Visit nasw.org/membership-information to learn more and apply. In an effort to support diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field and cast the widest possible net for excellence, members of AAJA, NABJ, NAHJ, IJA, NLGJA, SACNAS, SAJA, the Trans Journalists Association, and the Uproot Project are invited to enter at no cost.

Questions? Contact awards@nasw.org 

Are you looking for NASW's Science in Society Journalism Awards? Visit nasw.org/scienceinsociety.