View all newsletters
Sign up for our free email newsletters

Fighting for quality news media in the digital age.

  1. News
June 26, 2012

Association of British Science Writers Awards: Full list of winners

By James Read

The Independent’s science editor Steve Connor won the best investigation prize at last night’s Association of British Science Writers awards.

The ABSW awards ran between 1966 to 2007 and were re-established in 2010 thanks to new sponsors.

President Connie St. Louis said ‘This year there was an extremely strong field of entries in most categories.

Content from our partners
How PA Media is helping newspapers make the digital transition
Publishing on the open web is broken, how generative AI could help fix it
Impress: Regulation, arbitration and complaints resolution

‘Hard work for the panel of judges, but a clear indication of British and Irish science journalism at its best

The award ceremony followed the second UK conference of science journalists, which discussed and debated contemporary issues in science journalism.

Nearly 160 entries were submitted to the ABSW awards for Britain and Ireland, which were sponsored by Janssen Research and Development, a division of Belgian pharmaceutical company Janssen Pharmaceutica NV.

Connor was the only shortlisted entry in the investigative journalism category, with other entries not meeting the criteria for an investigation.

In response St Louis announced a new initiative to support investigative science journalism: ‘The ABSW is developing and seeking funding for an investigative journalism fellowship that will enable science journalists to take time away from their desks to carry out detailed investigations.

‘The Association is also looking at a specific training and networking event to develop investigative journalism skills and allow individuals to meet others who they can work with on investigations.”

Here is the full list of winners:

Best news item:

Angela Saini, Freelance.  The formula for justice published in The Guardian 03-10-11

Best feature:

Helen Pearson, Chief Features Editor, Nature. Study of a lifetime published in Nature 01-03-11

Best scripted/edited television programme or online video:

After life: The strange science of decay. Broadcast on BBC 4 on 06-12-11.

Team Entry: George McGavin, Presenter; Fred Hepburn, Producer/Director; Marcus Herbert, Executive Producer

The Royal Society Radio Prize – a prize for the best scripted/edited radio programme or podcast:

Hearing the past broadcast BBC Radio 4 on 12-09-11. Individual Entry: Jane Reck, Freelance

Best investigative journalism:

Steve Connor, Science Editor, The Independent, for ‘Big tobacco exposed’

Richard Gregory award for best newcomer:

James Poskett, Freelance reporter

New for 2012: The NUJ Stephen White award for best communication of science in a non science context:

Ed Yong, Freelance. How do our bacteria help us?   Broadcast on Four Thought, BBC Radio 4 1

Lifetime achievement award:

David Dickson, Editor SciDev.net

Topics in this article : ,

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

Select and enter your email address Weekly insight into the big strategic issues affecting the future of the news industry. Essential reading for media leaders every Thursday. Your morning brew of news about the world of news from Press Gazette and elsewhere in the media. Sent at around 10am UK time. Our weekly does of strategic insight about the future of news media aimed at US readers. A fortnightly update from the front-line of news and advertising. Aimed at marketers and those involved in the advertising industry.
  • Business owner/co-owner
  • CEO
  • COO
  • CFO
  • CTO
  • Chairperson
  • Non-Exec Director
  • Other C-Suite
  • Managing Director
  • President/Partner
  • Senior Executive/SVP or Corporate VP or equivalent
  • Director or equivalent
  • Group or Senior Manager
  • Head of Department/Function
  • Manager
  • Non-manager
  • Retired
  • Other
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how New Statesman Media Group may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
Thank you

Thanks for subscribing.

Websites in our network