How to Apply: Africa Science Journalism Awards 2025
Africa Science Journalism Awards 2025 – Apply Now and Win Up to $2,000!
Are you a journalist, editor, or scientist passionate about science communication in Africa? The Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation) is proud to announce the second edition of the Africa Science Journalism Awards (ASJA) 2025, celebrating excellence in science, health, agriculture, and environmental reporting across the continent.
Backed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the World Federation of Science Journalists (WFSJ), ASJA recognizes individuals and media professionals who are making science more accessible and impactful for African audiences.
About the Africa Science Journalism Awards (ASJA)
ASJA aims to elevate the standard of science journalism in Africa by:
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Honoring outstanding journalists and editors who report on scientific issues.
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Encouraging scientists to engage the public through media.
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Strengthening media-science collaborations for better science literacy across Africa.
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Supporting early-career journalists and nurturing editorial leadership in science reporting.
Winners will be announced at the World Conference of Science Journalists 2025, the first to be held in Africa.
Award Categories and Prizes
1. Best Story – Print and Broadcast
Recognizes two experienced journalists (5+ years) for in-depth and compelling science reporting.
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Prize: $1,500 each (1 winner in print, 1 in broadcast)
2. Early Career Journalist – Print or Broadcast
Celebrates two emerging journalists (less than 5 years of experience) demonstrating potential in science journalism.
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Prize: $1,500 each (1 winner in print, 1 in broadcast)
3. Innovator Award for Editors
Rewards editors who have actively supported science journalism and fostered science coverage within their newsrooms.
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Prize: $2,000 each (2 winners)
4. Science Champion Award
Acknowledges a scientist or innovator who effectively uses media to communicate their research to the public.
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Prize: $1,500
All winners will receive plaques during the WCSJ 2025 event and may qualify for a story pitch fee after engaging with research institutions.
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Africa Science Journalism Awards (Eligibility Criteria)
To apply for ASJA 2025, applicants must:
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Be a citizen or permanent resident of an African country, based primarily in Africa.
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Submit only one entry per category.
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Ensure their entry focuses on one of the following themes: Health, Climate & Environment, or Agriculture.
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Submit work that was published or broadcast between January 2024 and 30 June 2025.
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Submit entries via the Agaseke Grants Management System (Agaseke GMS).
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Disclose any external funding or support that contributed to the published work.
Additional Guidelines:
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Journalists can only apply for either Best Story or Early Career, not both.
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Editors must represent an Africa-based media outlet.
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Scientists must have authored/co-authored content (e.g., op-ed, article, video) aimed at general audiences.
Africa Science Journalism Awards (Submission Requirements)
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Best Story / Early Career Journalist: Submit one published/broadcast science-related story.
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Editor’s Award: Submit a curated list of science stories supported or published under your editorial guidance.
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Science Champion: Submit a single piece of public-facing content explaining scientific work.
All submissions must follow the upload instructions on the Agaseke GMS platform. Late entries will not be accepted.
Africa Science Journalism Awards (Evaluation Criteria)
For Journalists:
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Impact & Relevance: Covers critical African science and development topics.
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Accuracy: Shows strong understanding of scientific principles.
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Clarity: Translates complex topics for general audiences.
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Originality: Uses unique storytelling techniques.
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Ethical Standards: Maintains professional journalistic integrity.
For Editors:
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Quality and variety of published science content.
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Commitment to supporting science journalism in the newsroom.
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Editorial leadership and innovation.
For Scientists:
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Skill in simplifying scientific concepts.
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Public engagement and contribution to science literacy.
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Clarity and originality of content.
Africa Science Journalism Awards (Deadline and How to Apply)
Application Deadline: Friday, 4 July 2025 at 17:00 (East African Time)
How to Apply: All entries must be submitted through the Agaseke Grants Management System.
Visit the Science for Africa Foundation website for full details and access to the application portal.
Final Call
If you’re passionate about impactful storytelling, science literacy, and improving public engagement with science across Africa, ASJA 2025 is your opportunity. Whether you’re an early-career journalist, seasoned editor, or scientist, this is your chance to shine on a continental stage.
Apply now and help shape the future of science communication in Africa!