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Topic: Awards
Awards

Photo Contest — Regenerative Agriculture: Fostering Resilient Landscapes and Livelihoods

Sustainable Agriculture Network

"Share images that capture how regenerative agriculture supports resilient ecosystems, thriving landscapes, and the people who depend on them." The contest is open to participants worldwide who are 18 years or older. No entry fee. Prizes:
  • Overall 1st Prize: $1,000 USD
  • People's Choice Award: $400 USD
  • Three Category Winners: $200 USD each
  • Finalists will be featured at the Regenerative Agriculture Forum in Brazil, June 23, 2026
Deadline: May 15, 2026
Awards

Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira Contest for Communication and Journalism in Defense of the Environment, Indigenous Peoples and Traditional Communities

Government of Brazil

"The initiative seeks to recognize and contemplate communication and media education works dedicated to the protection of the environment and the defense of the rights of indigenous peoples and traditional communities and freedom of expression. ... The contest includes works published or aired from January 2023, divided into six categories: 1) Text Reporting; 2) Photojournalism and Visual Arts; 3) Audiovisual Reportage; 4) Indigenous Communication; 5) Communication of Traditional Communities; and 6) Media Education. ... The amount of R$300 thousand [approximately USD$58,000] will be distributed as a financial incentive to the top three in each category. Those selected in first place will receive R$30 thousand; the runners-up, R$15 thousand; and the third, R$5 thousand." The contest, open to journalists, popular communicators, artists and researchers over 18 years old, is free to enter. Deadline: May 21, 2026."
Film competition

Banff Mountain Film Competition

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity

"The Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is a programming-driven, competitive event bringing the best films and books on mountains and the spirit of adventure from around the world to the mountain town of Banff, Alberta. The Festival provides an opportunity for filmmakers and writers to meet and exchange ideas."
  • Categories include adventure, climbing, environment, mountain culture, short, feature and more
  • $35,000 CAD in cash prizes to be awarded, as well as consideration for inclusion on the World Tour which screens in over 40 countries
Awards

IJA Indigenous Media Awards

Indigenous Journalists Association

"The annual competition recognizes excellence in reporting by Indigenous and non-Indigenous journalists across the U.S., Canada and globally." Categories include Best Health Coverage and Best Environmental Coverage. Deadline: March 30, 2026, extended to April 6.
Awards

NPF Easterseals Award for Excellence in Coverage of Disabilities

National Press Foundation (NPF)

"NPF has established a new annual journalism award sponsored by Easterseals, a national disability services nonprofit, to promote outstanding journalism that expands the public’s understanding of issues impacting people with disabilities. The Easterseals Award for Excellence in Coverage of Disabilities, which carries a $10,000 prize, will recognize exemplary reporting on the wide-ranging topics affecting more than 70 million Americans with a disability today. The award will recognize reporting that deepens the public’s understanding of the challenges and successes experienced by people with disabilities."
Awards

John B. Oakes Award for Distinguished Environmental Journalism

Columbia Journalism School

"The John B. Oakes Award for Distinguished Environmental Journalism, which carries a $5,000 prize, is given annually for news reporting that makes an exceptional contribution to the public’s understanding of environmental issues. The award was founded in 1993 by family, friends and colleagues of John B. Oakes (1913-2001), who was an environmental journalism pioneer, the founder of the modern op-ed page, and the editor of the editorial page for the New York Times from 1961 to 1976. It recognizes journalists whose work meets the highest standards of journalistic excellence." Deadline: April 22, 2026.
Awards

50X50: Science Across America

"50X50: Science Across America is a new YouTube series by the Independent Media Initiative (IMI) to uncover the most compelling science in America. We’re partnering with 50 creators and 50 scientists across each of the 50 states to publish 50 videos in celebration of American science. From physics to chemistry, agriculture to biomedicine, geology to astronomy, 50X50 Science explores science as it exists everywhere. Each creator will profile a researcher in their native state to create a panorama of American science, and share it on their own YouTube channel for a platform-wide takeover spanning 50 days. ... Videos will roll out region-by-region across the United States starting in September and ending in November, 2026. The 50 creators will be selected by early April 2026. ... 50x50, together with production partner HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, has access to many of the country’s most exceptional scientists. If you're in search of a story, we can help matchmake."
Awards

IJ4EU Impact Award

"The IJ4EU Impact Award 2026, managed by the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF), will once again shine a spotlight on cross-border investigations that make a real difference in Europe. Each year, an independent expert jury selects three outstanding investigations, awarding €5,000 to each winner. The winners are announced at the IJ4EU UNCOVERED Conference each autumn, a key event for Europe’s investigative journalism community." Nominations are open February 26 through April 23, 2026.
Awards

National Wildlife Photo Contest

National Wildlife® magazine’s annual photo contest supports the conservation mission of the National Wildlife Federation. It's open to amateur and professional photographers. Entry fee is $20 to enter up to 10 photos for a chance to win one of 18 cash prizes, including the $5,000 grand prize. Deadline: March 22, 2026 extended to March 29.
Awards

Falling Walls Engage

"Falling Walls Engage is the global platform for Science Engagement hosted by the Falling Walls Foundation and supported by the Hannover Re Foundation. We showcase successful Science Engagement projects and inspire knowledge transfer within a global, inclusive, and supportive community. We create unique opportunities for exchange, collaboration, and capacity building for current and future practitioners, as well as institutions and the public. We strive to embed Science Engagement at an institutional level and establish it as an asset to any scientific career. The Falling Walls Science Breakthrough of the Year in the category Science Engagement is an exemplary, inspiring and impactful initiative that:
  • Breaks down walls between science and society with its individual approach on climate action;
  • Engages with those working in science and promotes opportunities for co-learning, co-leadership and co-creation while generating excitement for and trust in science;
  • Shows a project that is innovative, forward-thinking and entrepreneurial.
" Fifteen selected Engage Finalists will be invited to present their work at the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin (6–9 November 2026)." Deadline: April 15.
Awards

Northern Writing Prize

"The Northern Writing Prize was established in 2018, to help writers, photographers, and artists tell stories about the North. This year, we’re excited to bring back the contest in collaboration with the Northern Journalism Training Initiative (NJTI). The winner will receive $600 for a feature article, photo essay, or graphic narrative that examines the politics, culture, environmental issues, and/or activism present in Canada’s North. The best pitch will be selected by Briarpatch’s staff, and developed into a feature that will be published in the Spring 2026 issue of Briarpatch Magazine. The winner will also receive one mentoring session with NJTI to develop their draft. Briarpatch seeks to publish writing on social and environmental justice – we’re interested in decolonization, land defense, feminism, poverty, and workers’ rights, among other topics." Deadline: March 1, 2026.
Awards

Science + Literature Book Awards

National Book Foundation

"The Science + Literature program identifies three books annually, steered by a committee of scientific and literary experts, to deepen readers’ understanding of science and technology with a focus on work that highlights the diversity of voices in scientific writing. The selected titles act as a catalyst to create discourse, understanding, and engagement with science for communities across the country. Authors receive a $10,000 prize, are celebrated at a public ceremony in New York, and feature in national public programming. Each spring, the National Book Foundation invites a growing list of science, technology, and literary professionals across the country to make recommendations in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry rooted in real science or technology research or practices. Eligible books must have been published in English by publishers based in the United States within the last three years, and authors must maintain their primary, long-term home in the United States, US territories, or Tribal lands, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. Committee selections are made independently of the National Book Foundation staff and Board of Directors. To suggest a title, email Production Manager Emily Lovett at elovett@nationalbook.org."
Awards

National Book Awards

National Book Foundation

"Established in 1950, the National Book Awards are American literary prizes. To be eligible for consideration, books must have been published in the United States between December 1 of the previous year and November 30 of the current year." Winners in each of five categories (Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Translated Literature and Young People’s Literature) receive $10,000. Each finalist receives $1,000. Deadline: May 13, 2026.
Awards

INN Nonprofit News Awards

"The Nonprofit News Awards, or INNYs, honor excellence in journalism, leadership and community service across the field of nonprofit news. The INNYs include and go beyond traditional award categories like 'best investigative journalism' to recognize what differentiates nonprofit news – values like collaboration, innovation and impact. The awards are open to all news organizations that are full members in good standing of the Institute for Nonprofit News (INN)." Categories include Best Investigative Journalism Award, Insight Award for Explanatory Journalism and many more. Cash prizes. Deadline: Feb. 17, 2026.
Awards

Poynter Journalism Prizes

"The Poynter Institute has been home to the Poynter Journalism Prizes contest since 2024, when the News Leaders Association transitioned stewardship to Poynter. Before the NLA took on the contest in 2019, most of the categories came from the American Society of News Editors Distinguished Writing Awards, established in 1979, and the Associated Press Media Editors contest."
  • The 2026 Poynter Journalism Prizes comprise 12 award categories, including two new prizes recognizing reporting on climate change ($10,000) and poverty ($2,500). Deadline: Feb. 13, 2026.
Awards

Pulitzer Prize Books and Journalism Competitions

The Pulitzer Prizes, established in 1917, are awarded annually in journalism, books, music and drama. "There are 23 Pulitzer categories. In 22 of those categories the winners receive a $15,000 cash award and a certificate. Only the winner in the Public Service category of the Journalism competition is awarded a gold medal. The Public Service Prize is always awarded to a news organization, not an individual, although an individual or a team may be named in the citation."
  • Books: The final deadline for books published in the 2025 calendar year was Oct. 15.
  • Journalism: There are 15 categories. Work must have appeared in a regularly published U.S. newspaper, magazine, wire service or news site. Deadline is January 26, 2026.
Awards

RJI Pictures of the Year International Competition

"Pictures of the Year International began as a photographic contest in 1944 by Cliff Edom at the Missouri School of Journalism in Columbia, Missouri. ... POY is an educational program. Connecting students and the public with the curated work in POY shows the value of photojournalism and allows people to interpret the news and historic events through an empathetic lens." POY comprises Pictures of the Year International (deadline Jan. 18, 2026),  CPOY (College Photographer of the Year), POY Latam (Latin America; biannual, next in 2027) and POY Asia. POY International has 83 categories, including Science & Natural History, Science & Natural History Picture Story and Environmental Vision Award, some with cash prizes.
Awards

NPPA Best of Photojournalism

National Press Photographers Association

"Photojournalists bear witness to history on a daily basis. They stand on the sidewalks and sit in the living rooms of neighborhoods internationally with a shared mission to inform the public. Through well-researched stories and the documentation of life events, audiences rely on these journalists to ethically inform them of what is happening in their communities and to give an understanding to why specific moments in time should matter to us all. The Best of Photojournalism recognizes the ways in which this type of photography is produced and it proudly honors the journalists who do it. It also recognizes all of the steps it takes to execute compelling still and video imagery in the modern news era." Multiple categories, including science. Deadline: Jan. 18, 2026.
Awards

ABSW Young Science Writer Award

Association of British Science Writers

"The Young Science Writer Award (YSWA) celebrates the creativity and passion of young writers who explore the exciting world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Open to students aged 14-16 from state-funded, non-selective schools across the UK (or those home-schooled due to disability), this prestigious competition encourages participants to write engaging, informative and investigative essays on scientific topics that matter. Whether tackling climate change, AI, healthcare, or exploring the future of space exploration, the YSWA aims to foster critical thinking, storytelling, and a deeper understanding of how science shapes our world. Join us in this exciting journey of scientific discovery and communication. We are awarding £2,500 in cash prizes, alongside a significantly expanded prize package."  2026 competition window: Jan. 7-March 19.
Awards

SPJ New America Award

Society of Professional Journalists

"SPJ’s New America Award honors public service journalism that explores and exposes issues of importance to immigrant or ethnic communities in the United States. Although not required, collaboration with ethnic media is taken into account. To be eligible, work must have been published or broadcast during the 2025 calendar year. SPJ welcomes entries from media outlets, journalists, community and issue advocacy groups, individuals and others concerned with ethnic issues." Past honorees include many science-related stories. Deadline: March 11, 2026.
Awards

BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition

"BigPicture encourages photographers from around the world to contribute their work to this competition that both celebrates and illustrates the rich diversity of life on Earth and inspires action to protect and conserve it through the power of imagery. Chaired by award-winning conservation photographer Suzi Eszterhas, BigPicture welcomes high-quality nature, wildlife and conservation images and is open to all photographers around the world. Enter your work for a chance to win cash prizes and be exhibited at the California Academy of Sciences." Deadline: March 1, 2026 extended to March 8. A discount is available to women photographers during February, through to the extended deadline, with the code WILDWOMEN30.
Awards

Canadian Association of Journalists Annual Awards

The Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ) awards are given for outstanding Canadian reporting, particularly with a focus on investigative work. Cash prizes are offered in several categories, including Photojournalism, Environmental and Climate Change, Emerging Indigenous Journalist, Student, Data Journalism, Freedom of Information Journalism and more. Winners of the CAJ awards will be announced during the CAJ’s annual conference in spring. Open to any journalist whose work has been published or broadcast in Canada. Deadline: January 13, 2026.
Awards

Wildscreen Panda Awards

"The Wildscreen Panda Awards honour the very best in natural world storytelling craft globally. The world-renowned Panda Awards have been the heart of the Wildscreen Festival since they were presented at the first Festival back in 1982. They celebrate the very best in the natural world storytelling craft and remain the highest honour in the international wildlife film and TV industry." The 2026 festival takes place Oct. 19-22 in the UK. Deadlines: February 24 (earlybird); April 16 (regular); May 13 (late).
Awards

CJF Awards

"The Canadian Journalism Foundation supports and rewards excellence in Canadian journalism through its annual awards program and by supporting recognition programs run by other organizations. The recipients are presented their awards at the annual CJF Awards, held in June." Cash prizes in multiple categories including Climate Solutions Reporting, Climate Photojournalism and, new in 2026, the CJF Hinton Award for Excellence in AI Safety Reporting. Deadline: January 23, 2026.
Awards

SWCC Book Awards

"For over 20 years, the Science Writers and Communicators of Canada (SWCC) Book Awards has celebrated great science books for readers of all ages. There are two categories, Youth and General, each with $1,000 award. SWCC also awards the $500 Paradigm Prize for Underrepresented Perspectives in Science Writing to a first-time author, an author/illustrator from an equity-seeking or underrepresented background, and/or work published by a small press or independent publisher, selected from the finalists for the two main categories." Deadline: Nov. 7, 2025.