Four Science Communicators Win 2026 Schmidt Awards
The National Academies and Schmidt Sciences recognize leaders in technical storytelling with $640,000 in total prize money.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Science — General
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Four Indian American communicators have been named recipients of the 2026 Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and Schmidt Sciences announced the winners following a review of over 750 entries for work published in 2025.
Why it matters
The program highlights the role of specialized storytelling in translating technical fields like engineering and medicine for a general audience. By distributing $640,000 across multiple categories, it aims to institutionalize support for those shaping public understanding of complex research.
The awards system provides a $40,000 top prize and two $20,000 secondary awards within each of its eight distinct categories. This funding was allocated from a total pool of $640,000 based on work published or aired throughout 2025.
The players
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
A private, non-profit institution that provides independent, objective advice to the United States on matters of science and technology.
Schmidt Sciences
A philanthropic organization focused on advancing interdisciplinary research and the communication of scientific discoveries.
Aatish Bhatia
A science communicator and winner of the top prize in the Science Journalist: Early Career category.
Harini Bhat
An award recipient in the Science Communicator: Organizational category.
Anand Varma
An award recipient in the Science Communicator: Organizational category.
The details
The selection process evaluated over 750 entries from journalists and organizational communicators to identify those who best clarify developments in science, engineering, and medicine. Winners were chosen to recognize high-impact communication strategies that distill complex technical data for public consumption. These awards emphasize journalistic rigor and clarity, rewarding professionals who bridge the gap between niche research and general scientific literacy.
Timeline
Entries for the 2026 awards were based on work published or aired throughout 2025.
The 2026 award recipients were announced on October 28, 2026.
Winners will be formally honored during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., from November 17 to November 20, 2026.
The Tech Race
The program functions as a benchmark for excellence in the competitive field of science translation and public engagement. It follows a yearly trajectory that seeks to elevate standards for how technical breakthroughs are presented to the broader public.
Readers can expect to see higher-quality scientific reporting across major media outlets as the winners continue their work in journalism and organizational communication. The awards serve as a guide for audiences to identify reliable, expert-vetted scientific storytelling.
The takeaway
This award cycle highlights a growing emphasis on high-quality science communication as an essential component of public technical literacy. Watch for the official ceremony in Washington, D.C., from November 17 to November 20, 2026, where the National Academies will host the winners.
Further reading
For broader coverage of recent developments in this space, visit the Science — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The American Bazaar.
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