Program Description:

Title: Africa Science Journalism Awards (ASJA) 2025 – Applications Now Open

Application Deadline: Friday, July 4, 2025, at 17:00 (EAT)

Africa Science Journalism Awards (ASJA) 2025 – Applications Now Open Overview

The Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation), with support from the Gates Foundation and the World Federation of Science Journalists (WFSJ), invites applications for the 2025 Africa Science Journalism Awards (ASJA). Now in its second edition, ASJA recognises excellence in science journalism across Africa in the areas of health, climate and environment, and agriculture. Winners will receive cash prizes, plaques, and exclusive learning opportunities, including workshops and academic residencies.

Africa Science Journalism Awards (ASJA) 2025 – Applications Now Open Eligibility

• Open to journalists who are citizens or permanent residents of an African country and are primarily residing in Africa.

• Submissions must have been published between January 2024 and June 30, 2025.

• Open to print, broadcast, and online journalists.

• Entries must focus on health, climate/environment, or agriculture.

• Editors applying must represent Africa-based publications.

• Scientists applying must have created science-related content suitable for general audiences.

• Entries in local languages are allowed but must include an English translation.

• Co-authored or team entries are accepted with all contributors clearly stated.

• Only one entry per applicant per category. Journalists must choose either Best Story or Early Career, not both.

Africa Science Journalism Awards (ASJA) 2025 – Applications Now Open Benefits

• Cash Prizes:

  • Best Story (Print & Broadcast) – $1,500 each

  • Early Career Journalist (Print or Broadcast) – $1,500 each

  • Editor’s Award – $2,000 each

  • Science Champion – $1,500

• Plaques awarded to winners

• Winners will be recognized at the World Conference of Science Journalists in Africa (December 2025)

• Pitch fee for stories produced from the academic engagement

• Shortlisted candidates will attend a science journalism workshop

• Winners will also get the opportunity to engage with scientists at a host academic/research institution

Application Requirements

• Submit entries via the Agaseke Grants Management System (Agaseke GMS)

• Best Story/Early Career: Submit one science story

• Editor’s Award: Submit a list of published stories showing commitment to science journalism

• Science Champion: Submit one authored science-related story or content

• Disclose any external funding or support received for the submitted work

Selection Criteria

• Impact and Reach: Timeliness, relevance, public understanding

• Quality and Creativity: Research depth, factual accuracy, engaging storytelling

• Clarity: Effectiveness in simplifying scientific concepts

• Journalistic Integrity: Responsible reporting with innovative framing

• For Scientists: Focus on clarity and communication of complex science to non-experts

• For Editors: Quality of edited pieces and demonstrated editorial support for science journalism

Restrictions

• Journalists can only submit to either Best Story or Early Career, not both

• Journalists may also submit separately for the Editor’s Award and Science Champion category if eligible

• Only one entry per applicant per category

Application Process

• All entries must be submitted through the Agaseke Grants Management System (Agaseke GMS)

• Deadline: Friday, July 4, 2025, at 17:00 (EAT)

• Confirmation emails will be sent upon successful submission

• Winners will be announced in December 2025 during the World Conference of Science Journalists

Vacancies: Need a job? Click here

Share with someone