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Victor Cohn Prize for Excellence in Medical Science Reporting

Council for the Advancement of Science Writing

CASW established the Victor Cohn Prize for Excellence in Medical Science Reporting in 2000. Given annually, the prize seeks to honor a writer for a body of work published or broadcast within the last five years which, for reasons of uncommon clarity, accuracy, breadth of coverage, enterprise, originality, insight and narrative power, has made a profound and lasting contribution to public awareness and understanding of critical advances in medical science and their impact on human health and well-being.

Beginning in 2023, the Cohn Prize is generously underwritten by Michelson Philanthropies, a Los Angeles-based philanthropic foundation devoted to supporting medical research, equity in education, and improving animal welfare.

The honoree receives an award of $5,000 and a certificate.

The annual deadline for submission of nominations is June 30

AI Based Application Success Predictor

1. Strong science communication ability

The strongest applicants consistently demonstrate:

clear and compelling science storytelling,
ability to explain complex science accessibly,
narrative strength,
audience engagement,
accuracy without oversimplification.

Communication quality is the single strongest predictor of success.

2. High-quality science journalism or writing portfolio

Successful applicants usually show:

published science articles,
investigative reporting,
multimedia science communication,
long-form science writing,
evidence of editorial quality,
strong narrative structure.

A strong portfolio is especially important for CASW fellowships and journalism awards.

3. Demonstrated public impact

CASW programs strongly value work that:

improves public understanding of science,
combats misinformation,
broadens science accessibility,
informs public policy discussions,
engages underserved audiences,
increases science literacy.

Public engagement impact substantially strengthens applications.

4. Scientific accuracy and credibility

Competitive applicants demonstrate:

rigorous fact-checking,
accurate interpretation of research,
ethical science reporting,
strong source evaluation,
nuanced scientific understanding.

Weak scientific accuracy is a major weakness in science-writing competitions.

5. Originality and storytelling innovation

Successful applications often include:

creative storytelling formats,
innovative multimedia approaches,
narrative-driven science reporting,
fresh angles on scientific topics,
emotionally compelling but evidence-based communication.

Distinctive storytelling helps applications stand out.

6. Ability to communicate emerging or complex science

CASW has historically emphasized communication of:

emerging scientific discoveries,
medicine and public health,
technology,
climate science,
environmental science,
biomedical innovation.

Applicants who effectively interpret technically difficult topics tend to perform strongly.

7. Early-career promise and development potential

For fellowships and young-journalist awards, reviewers heavily assess:

long-term science-writing potential,
growth trajectory,
commitment to science journalism,
intellectual curiosity,
ability to build public trust in science.

Career-development promise is highly important.

8. Interdisciplinary and cross-platform communication

High-scoring applicants increasingly demonstrate:

digital media skills,
podcast/video communication,
data journalism,
social-media science communication,
multimedia storytelling,
interdisciplinary science coverage.

Modern science communication versatility is increasingly valued.

9. Diversity, inclusion, and audience reach

Competitive projects often involve:

underserved communities,
multilingual communication,
inclusive science outreach,
representation of diverse scientific voices,
equitable science access.

Broader audience accessibility strengthens applications.

10. Strong recommendations and professional reputation

Successful applicants frequently have:

endorsements from respected editors,
journalism mentors,
science communicators,
academic collaborators,
established science-writing professionals.

Strong references can substantially influence fellowship outcomes.

Common Reasons for Rejection

Frequent reviewer concerns include:

overly technical writing,
weak storytelling,
insufficient originality,
lack of public engagement focus,
unclear audience targeting,
weak scientific accuracy,
generic writing samples,
limited demonstrated impact.

Specialties

Data Science

Eligibility Requirements

Who can nominate: Editors, colleagues, scientists and others familiar with the candidate’s body of work may submit nominations. Individuals may nominate themselves but are encouraged to submit at least one letter of support from a knowledgeable colleague.
Submitted works: Nominators of candidates for the 2026 prize may submit up to five examples of the candidate’s journalistic endeavors, all published or aired since January 2021.
- Submitted works must be published in English-language media that reach a U.S. audience.
- Eligible writing includes work appearing in digital media.
- Books are not eligible.
Nomination letters: Letters of nomination should include an assessment of the nominee’s body of work along with a biographical sketch.

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: Council for the Advancement of Science Writing

Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit

Address: PO Box 17337 | Seattle, WA 98127

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