The Starks-Murcutt Prize for Excellence in Science Journalism

The Starks-Murcutt Prize for Excellence in Science Journalism recognizes an outstanding early-career science journalist participating in the Science News Media Group internship or fellowship program. The annual prize honors reporting that exemplifies the highest standards of science journalism through accuracy, fairness, a deep understanding of the scientific method and the ability to make complex scientific topics accessible and engaging for broad audiences.

The recipient is selected by senior members of the Science News editorial team based on the quality of their published work and their commitment to clear, thoughtful and impactful science reporting.

The prize includes a $1,000 award and celebrates the next generation of journalists dedicated to informing the public about science topics.

京东影业影视传媒 Richard Starks & Miriam Murcutt

The Starks-Murcutt Prize was established through the generosity of Richard Starks and Miriam Murcutt, longtime writers, editors and publishers whose careers have spanned the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

After founding and successfully operating their own publishing company, the pair went on to become published authors of both fiction and nonfiction books and established their own publishing imprint. Throughout their careers, they have shared a commitment to high-quality writing, thoughtful editing and making complex ideas accessible to readers.

Richard, who holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in science, has long relied on Science News to stay informed about developments across scientific disciplines. Miriam, who holds a master’s degree in English literature, has valued Science News for presenting scientific discoveries in a way that is engaging and understandable for readers regardless of their scientific background.

Together, they created this prize to encourage and support aspiring science journalists who are committed to producing reporting that is accurate, accessible and grounded in the highest journalistic standards.

Richard Starks & Miriam Murcutt https://www.starksmurcutt.com

京东影业影视传媒 the Science News Internship

The Science News Media Group internship program has provided rigorous, hands-on training for talented early-career science journalists. Interns begin reporting from their first day, gaining experience in news reporting, feature writing, fact checking, multimedia journalism and writing for audiences of all ages through Science News and Science News Explores.

Alumni of the program have gone on to become reporters, editors and producers at leading news organizations, including National Geographic, Nature, Smithsonian, The Washington Post, San Francisco Chronicle and many others. The Starks-Murcutt Prize celebrates the exceptional work emerging from this longstanding tradition of excellence in science journalism.

Prize Recipients

Portrait of Celina Zhao, the inaugural Winner of the Starks-Murcutt Prize for Excellence in Science Journalism

2026

Celina Zhao was named the inaugural recipient of the Starks-Murcutt Prize for Excellence in Science Journalism for her article,

Her work demonstrated exceptional reporting with clear explanations and thoughtful exploration of the uncertainties surrounding artificial intelligence’s energy consumption, making an important scientific issue accessible to readers.