The Science Communication Awards of the American Institute of Physics (AIP) were established in the 1960s to recognize some of the best science writing of the previous year. Entries were originally demarked by the occupation of the writer, but the categories have since evolved into the current four, distinguished by format. Entries aim to improve the general public's appreciation of the physical sciences, astronomy, math and related science fields.
Entries are judged by committees of scientists and journalists, and winning authors receive a prize of $3,000, an engraved Windsor chair, and a certificate of recognition. The publisher also receives a certificate of recognition. AIP pays the winning authors' travel expenses to the ceremony where the awards are presented.
Read the press release announcing the 2020 winners.
Rules and how to apply
UPDATE: AIP will not present 2021 Science Communication Awards. Please check back in the fall of 2021 for more information on the 2022 Science Communication Awards.
Award categories
Science Writing: Books
Entries must be intended for a general audience. Submissions are judged on their ability to enhance the public’s understanding and appreciation of physics and related fields. Hardcopies are required.
See award winners.
Science Writing: Newspaper, Magazine, and Online Articles
Entries must be intended for a general audience. Submissions are judged on their ability to enhance the public's understanding and appreciation of physics and related fields. Hardcopies or PDFs are accepted.
See award winners.
Broadcast and New Media
Entries must be intended for a general audience. Submissions may include TV programs, films, online videos, radio segments, podcasts and works of new media. Please note: Works of "new media" are distinct from "online articles," which should be entered in the separate category above. Just because something is available online does not make it new media, and works of new media are expected to incorporate substantial audio, visual or interactive elements into the storytelling.
See award winners.
Writing for Children
Entries must be in the form of books, news or feature stories, multimedia or Web content created specifically for children 15 years old or younger.
See award winners.