The Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) has named Katherine J. Wu, PhD, a staff writer with The Atlantic, as the recipient of the inaugural Kovler Prize for Trust in Life Science Journalism. Dr. Wu is known for her authoritative and insightful reporting on COVID-19. She also has written extensively on science and health topics for several leading media outlets.

“Despite the rapid pace of medical discoveries that truly save and improve lives, trust and confidence in science has eroded. Life science journalists play a crucial role in translating complex science topics for non-scientists, which helps build trust in science and enables people to make more informed decisions about their healthcare,” said Julie L. Gerberding, MD, MPH, President and CEO of the FNIH. “We are excited to present Dr. Wu with the inaugural Kovler Prize, which is made possible by the support of the Judy and Peter Blum Kovler Foundation.”

The Kovler Prize for Trust in Life Science Journalism honors an individual who has significantly increased the public’s awareness and understanding of life sciences through a distinguished body of journalistic work. The prize includes a $25,000 honorarium for the awardee.

“Dr. Wu’s outstanding contributions to science communication epitomize the highest standards of journalistic excellence and underscore the critical role of credible and trustworthy journalism,” said Judy Lansing Kovler, PhD, who is a member of the FNIH Board of Directors.

A scientist-turned-science reporter, Dr. Wu holds a PhD in microbiology and immunobiology from Harvard University, and much of her work has focused on infectious diseases. Before joining The Atlantic, she was a science reporting fellow for The New York Times, where she covered many aspects of COVID-19. Her work has appeared in National Geographic, Popular Science and Scientific American. Dr. Wu has received the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Award for Excellence in Science Communication, the Science in Society Journalism Award, and the Evert Clark/Seth Payne Award for Young Science Journalists.

“I entered the world of journalism eager to familiarize the public with the wonders of science and the natural world but also the fallout that can happen when research goes awry. For people to trust science, they need to understand its importance in their lives and how that power is being held to account,” Dr. Wu said. “It's an absolute honor to receive the Kovler Prize from an organization deeply committed to ensuring the public's well-being—I know this will be crucial to continuing my work in the future, as infectious disease outbreaks become an even more pressing danger.”

A jury of prominent science, communications and academic experts selected Dr. Wu as the Kovler Prize recipient. The jury is chaired by Jay M. Bernhardt, MPH, PhD, president of Emerson College.

The Kovler Prize will be awarded at the 12^th annual FNIH Awards Ceremony on the evening of October 29, 2024, in Washington, D.C. The Lurie Prize in Biomedical Sciences, the Trailblazer Prize for Clinician-Scientists, and the Charles A. Sanders, MD, Partnership Award also will be presented.

The FNIH gratefully acknowledges our Annual Awards Ceremony Premier Sponsors, Fred and Donna Seigel, and our Visionary Sponsors, the Gerberding-Rose Family Fund, the Judy and Peter Blum Kovler Foundation, Sherry and Alan Leventhal, Paul and Sandra Montrone, Dr. Gilbert S. Omenn and Ms. Martha A. Darling, Steven and Jann Paul, MD, and Perry Steiner and Vanessa Kay.

For more information about the Kovler Prize for Trust in Life Science Journalism, please visit fnih.org/KovlerPrize.

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.

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“Life science journalists play a crucial role in translating complex science topics for non-scientists, which helps build trust in science and enables people to make more informed decisions about their healthcare.” — Julie Gerberding, MD, MPH