Jonathan O’Callaghan is British Science Journalist of the Year for 2024

Jonathan O’Callaghan, a freelance space and science journalist, has been named British Science Journalist of the Year at the 2024 ABSW Awards.  

The judges said that his approach to the topics “shook things up and showcased that there are many ways to impactfully and engagingly share science stories across a range of media outlets".  

“I'm absolutely thrilled to win this award,” said Jonathan, “I spend a lot of time working by myself as a freelancer, so it's wonderful to get this recognition and great to know my articles aren't going completely unread.”  

O’Callaghan wrote more than 65 articles in 2023 for nearly a dozen publications including The New York Times, New Scientist, Scientific American, and the BBC. His 2023 submission included articles on cosmic rays and the shutting down of the International Space Station.  

He said he was proudest of a piece about the highly anticipated space telescope Habitable Worlds Observatory, which has attracted huge amounts of funding. 

His advice to newcomers?  "Put yourself out there and contact editors with any and all ideas - newspapers are always looking for unique stories”.  

Jonathan emerged from a competitive category, with other nominees including the FT’s Hannah Kuchler for her detailed research in the medical field, Times Science Editor Tom Whipple for his work on the future of Google and other stories, and The Telegraph Science Correspondent Joe Pinkstone who “covered everything from cross-breeding pets and wildlife to the surprising story of where to find the original sound of the English language,” as the judges have put it. 

Winners of the British Science Journalist Award are automatically entered for the European Federation of Science Journalism’s Science Journalist of the Year Award. 

Read also "ABSW Awards honour the trailblazing work of Debora Mackenzie," by Anoushka Sinha.