AGU Sullivan Award 2026: $5,000 Prize for Excellence in Science Journalism

AGU Sullivan Award 2026

The American Geophysical Union Walter Sullivan Award for Excellence in Science Journalism 2026 is a prestigious global award recognizing outstanding journalism in Earth and space sciences.

This award honors journalists who make complex scientific topics accessible, engaging, and accurate for the general public.

About the Award

The Sullivan Award is presented annually by AGU to recognize exceptional feature reporting in science journalism.

• Organizer: American Geophysical Union (AGU)
• Established: 1989
• Type: Journalism award
• Focus: Earth and space science reporting

The award is named after Walter Sullivan, a renowned science journalist from The New York Times. (AGU)

Key Highlights

• Prestigious global journalism award
• Recognizes feature stories or series
• Open to individual journalists or teams
• Covers all media formats (except books)
• Focus on science communication

Prize & Benefits

Winners receive multiple recognitions and rewards.

• $5,000 cash prize
• Engraved award/plaque
• Recognition at AGU Annual Meeting
• Travel support (up to $1,000)
• Recognition in AGU publications

These benefits provide both financial reward and global recognition. (AGU)

What Type of Work is Eligible?

The award focuses on high-quality feature journalism.

• Feature stories or series (not books)
• Work published in the previous year
• Coverage of Earth and space sciences
• Content that is engaging and accessible to non-experts

The work should balance accuracy, clarity, and storytelling excellence. (AGU)

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions are judged based on:

• Accuracy and scientific integrity
• Originality and initiative
• Clarity and accessibility
• Ability to engage general audiences
• Impact in communicating science

The goal is to make science understandable without oversimplifying it. (AGU)

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements.

• Professional journalists (print, digital, broadcast, or freelance)
• Individual or group (up to 4 contributors)
• Work must be published in the eligible year
• Only one submission per applicant
• AGU membership is not required

Self-nominations are allowed. (AGU)

Application / Nomination Process

• Submit nomination or self-nomination
• Provide published work sample
• Include supporting materials
• Selection by AGU review committee

The process is competitive and based on merit and impact.

Notable Past Winners

The award has recognized leading science journalists globally.

• 2025: Brooke Jarvis
• 2024: Nadia Drake
• 2023: Julia Rosen
• 2022: Gregory Barber

These winners have contributed significantly to science communication worldwide. (AGU)

Why You Should Apply

This award is one of the top recognitions in science journalism.

• Gain global recognition
• Win a $5,000 prize
• Enhance your journalism career
• Showcase impactful science storytelling
• Join a prestigious network of award winners

About American Geophysical Union

The American Geophysical Union is a leading international organization dedicated to advancing Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity. It supports research, communication, and public understanding of science.

Final Thoughts

The AGU Sullivan Award 2026 is a highly respected honor for journalists working in science communication. With a strong emphasis on clarity, accuracy, and storytelling, it celebrates those who make complex scientific ideas accessible to the public.

If you are a science journalist with impactful work, this award can significantly elevate your global recognition and career.