"A scientifically informed and literate public is essential to fostering a society that can adapt and flourish in light of rapidly changing global advances," said Seema Kumar, vice president, Global R&D Communications, Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Services. "Science journalists play a critical role in communicating the complexity of science and its implications to society. This year's winners exemplify the best of science journalism. We are proud to support the AAAS Science Journalism Awards program in its efforts, and congratulate all the winners."
The winners of the 2006 AAAS Science Journalism Awards:
Large Newspaper Circulation of 100,000 or more
Stacey Burling
The Philadelphia Inquirer
"Probing a Mind for a Cure" Feb. 26, 2006
The judges were impressed by Burling's use of a single case study to explore the current scientific understanding of Alzheimer's disease and the human impact of the disease. Andrew Revkin of The New York Times called Burling's story "a superb route into a harrowing subject" that illuminates aspects of science "with rare clarity." Guy Gugliotta, a freelance science writer who was formerly with The Washington Post, said Burling's story elegantly juxtaposed "the science of the disease with the consequences, not only for the patient but for the patient's family."
Small Newspaper Circulation less than 100,000
Michelle Nijhuis
High Country News
"The Ghosts of Yosemite" Oct. 17, 2005
"Save Our Snow" March 6, 2006
"Dust and Snow" May 29, 2006
In stories on climate change in the West, Nijhuis described the work of contemporary scientists who are using pioneering field work in Yosemite
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Contact: Lonnie Shekhtman
lshekhtm@aaas.org
202-326-6434
American Association for the Advancement of Science
12-Feb-2007