We are now accepting entries for this year’s Statistical Excellence in Journalism Awards, sponsored by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).
The awards, now in their 18th year, celebrate journalism which uses statistics to aid public understanding by questioning, analysing and investigating the issues that affect society.
Previous winners include those from the BBC, Guardian and the Times among other publications.
There are four categories – investigative journalism, data visualisation, ‘explaining the facts’ and ‘best statistical commentary by a non-journalist’, which recognises the contribution of data professionals to the media discourse.
The awards are free to enter and open to writers and broadcasters both in and outside of the UK (work must be published in English).
Professor Christl Donnelly, RSS vice president for external affairs and chair of the judging panel, said: ‘These awards give us a great opportunity to celebrate all the good work being done with data in the media to aid public understanding. This year we would love to hear from journalists and publications who haven’t entered before.’
Beccy Shipman, ESRC deputy director of data strategy and infrastructure, said: ‘Clear, inclusive analysis and explanation of research data and evidence is vital to advance our understanding of the important issues facing us all. ESRC is delighted to support these awards as they celebrate both journalists and non-journalists using statistics to inform our understanding.I look forward to judging the entries and congratulating the winners.’
The deadline for entries is Thursday 14 March.
The above photo shows freelance journalist, Anna Lawlor receiving her certificate for highly commended in the ‘explaining the facts’ category from RSS president, Dr Andrew Garrett at the 2023 RSS statistical excellence awards ceremony.