Deadline: April 19, 2026
Applications are open for the Walter Sullivan Award for Excellence in Science Journalism – Features 2026. The Walter Sullivan Award for Excellence in Science Journalism – Features is given annually to an individual journalist or a group of journalists in recognition of a feature story or series in any medium, except books, that makes information about the Earth and space sciences both accessible and interesting to non-scientists.
Walter Sullivan, the renowned science writer for The New York Times and namesake of this award, was the first honoree in 1989. In 2000, the award was redefined to honor science feature writing: work prepared with a deadline of more than one week.
Award
Recipients receive the following:
- A $5,000 prize
- An engraved award
- Recognition in Eos
- Recognition at AGU’s annual meeting the year the honor is awarded
- Travel expenses up to $1,000 to attend AGU’s annual meeting the year the honor is awarded
- Two tickets per winner to the Honors Banquet at AGU’s annual meeting the year the honor is awarded
Eligibility
Nominees
The nominee must:
- Be a journalist(s) working in any medium, except books
- Be a sole author or team of up to four contributors; this may include contributors to audio visual components
- Be an author employed in one of the following arenas:
- Print or electronic publication
- Broadcast or cable station, or a broadcast network
- Freelance journalist
- AGU membership is not required
- Submit only one entry for the award in a given year
- Not have won the Sullivan award during the past two years
Nominators
- AGU membership is not required
- Self nominations are permitted
Nomination
For more information, visit Walter Sullivan Award.
