SWARM writing awards

Contest rules

Entries will be accepted in two categories: science journalism and institutional science communication.
The deadline for entries is 11:59 p.m. MT on December 15, 2026.
There will be a monetary prize for first place in each category.
Only dues-paying members of SWARM are eligible to enter. If you're not sure if you are a paying member, log in to your account in the upper right-hand corner of this page and look under 'My Subscriptions'.
One entry per category per member.
Multiple-authored entries are fine as long as the person entering is a SWARM member and played a major role in the production of the piece.
Work without a byline will be accepted with proof of authorship.
There is no entry fee.
Entries must have been published between January 1, 2026, and December 15, 2026.
Entries should be no longer than 3,000 words.
Entries will be judged by members of the SWARM board. SWARM board members are not eligible to enter the contest.
Individual judges will recuse themselves from judging entries in which they have a substantial professional or personal conflict of interest.
Judges reserve the right to not award in a category at their discretion.
Winners will be announced in January.
Any questions? Email sciwrirockies-at-gmail-dot-com.

Congratulations to the 2025 winners

Category: Journalism

Honorable mention: Evelyn Lamb, for The Mathematical Mysteries of Fireflies, published by Nautilus

Honorable mention: Stephanie Pappas, for The Truth About Testosterone, published by Scientific American

Category: Institutional Science Communication