The Foundation for the National Institutes of Health Opens Entries for Inaugural Kovler Prize for Trust in Life Science Journalism

North Bethesda, MD, July 31, 2024— The Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) announces the inaugural Kovler Prize for Trust in Life Science Journalism. The award honors an individual who has significantly increased the public’s awareness of and trust in life science through their distinguished body of work in any media. The prize includes a $25,000 honorarium for the awardee, made possible by a donation to the FNIH by the Judy and Peter Blum Kovler Foundation.

“We are proud to announce the inaugural recognition of a journalist whose exceptional work significantly advances understanding of life science and public trust,” said Judy Lansing Kovler, PhD, who is also a member of the FNIH Board of Directors. “This award reinforces the critical role of credible and trustworthy journalism in fostering informed dialogue and decision-making. We look forward to celebrating outstanding contributions to science communication and commitment to the highest standards of journalistic excellence.”

“Today’s rapid advances in medical treatments offer great promise for people with complicated illnesses, but they need accurate, understandable information to make their own informed health decisions,” said Julie L. Gerberding, MD, MPH, President and CEO of the FNIH. “Life science journalists play a critical role in translating health information to broad communities and deserve recognition for their contributions. We are excited to launch this important award thanks to the visionary support of Judy Lansing Kovler, PhD, and Peter Kovler, a former journalist.”

The award is open to journalists doing work for accredited and/or independent news organizations in the United States. There is no limit on the number of  nominations that a single nominator or institution may make. Submissions will be judged by a jury of communication and science experts convened by the FNIH. The recipient will be recognized at the Annual FNIH Awards Ceremony on October 29, 2024, in Washington D.C., which celebrates scientific excellence and partnership.

The entry deadline for the Kovler Prize for Trust in Life Science Journalism is Friday, August 30, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET. Nominations can be made at fnih.org/kovlerprize.

For questions, email [email protected].

About the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health
The Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) builds public-private partnerships that connect leading biomedical scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with their counterparts in life sciences companies, academia, patient organizations, foundations, and regulatory agencies (including the Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency). Through team science, the FNIH solves complex health challenges and accelerates breakthroughs for patients, regardless of who they are or what health threats they face. The FNIH contributes to the development of new therapies, diagnostics, and potential cures; advances global health and equity in care; and celebrates and helps train the next generations of scientists. Established by Congress in 1990 to support the mission of the NIH, the FNIH is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. For more information about the FNIH, please visit fnih.org. Follow us on social media: LinkedInXFacebook.