“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.”