Finalists ABSW Awards 2026 Announced
Who has made it to the finals this year?
Pictured right: Venue for the ABSW Awards 2026 – the Marble Hall at The Royal Society, London
After consideration of nearly three hundred entries in eleven categories, the judges have decided on the finalists in this year’s Association of British Science Writers' Awards.
View the list of finalists in all categories 2026
Winners will be announced at an Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at the Royal Society, London, to which all finalists, judges, sponsors and ABSW members are invited (booking essential).
The ABSW would like to thank the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, The Royal Society, Dr Katharine Giles Fund, and AlphaGalileo, whose support makes the Awards possible.
Martin Ince, Chair of the Judging Panel, and a freelance science & education writer, media adviser & media trainer commented:
At a time when misinformation and disinformation are rife it has never been more important to recognise and reward accurate, independent science reporting.
The ABSW awards are a showcase for UK and Irish journalists who produce excellent science writing for every imaginable medium, in every possible format, and for every community of interest here and around the world.
For those that didn't make it as a finalist you are all commended for your contribution to science and technology journalism in 2025. I look forward to seeing your varied, vital and insightful work continue in 2026 and beyond.
Of note this year were the range of pieces focused on the cuts to scientific research funding in the USA. From Opinion pieces to Podcasts, UK and Irish journalists investigated the impact on individuals, institutions and communities, both in the USA and internationally.
The big hitter this year is Natasha Loder, Health Editor at the Economist, who is a finalist in three categories, including the category she won last year with her colleague Sandra Kanthal – the Royal Society Audio Award.
Chris Parr, Senior Editor at Research Professional News, is a finalist in two categories.
The ABSW Awards are open for entry throughout January each year.
Find out more about our categories, rules and regulations
The ABSW’s awards were established in 1966 and over the years have become the "Oscars" of science writing. The ABSW’s awards aim to reward excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics journalism and writing and are judged by a panel of credible and respected judges.
The ABSW would like to thank the judges and, in particular, the chair of the judging panel, Martin Ince, who is standing down from this role after many years guiding this key aspect of the ABSW's work.
