The Jon C. Graff, PhD Prize for Excellence in Science Communication
Since 2016, Science News has spotlighted 10 early- and mid-career scientists with innovative ideas and unique skill sets who are applying their talents to shape our future and our understanding of ourselves. This list, called the SN 10, are poised to make a tremendous impact on our world.
A team of Science News writers and editors – many experts in their fields – selected the SN 10 from a pool of scientists nominated by members of the National Academy of Sciences, former SN 10 scientists and Science News readers.
Each year, one member of the SN 10 is named the winner of the Jon C. Graff, PhD Prize for Excellence in Science Communication, which was established in 2019 with a cash gift and now supported by an endowed fund.
The Graff Prize is awarded to a scientist who demonstrates deep enthusiasm for the field, the ability to explain scientific breakthroughs and inventions clearly to a wide range of audiences, and the use of various media, both academic and popular, to reach the public.
The winner, which receives a $1,000 award and a medal, is selected by a committee convened by Society for Science.
Judging Criteria
The winning scientist:
- Conveys complex ideas with clarity, making the science accessible to variety of audiences
- Uses a range of media (e.g. peer-reviewed journals, magazines, newspapers, radio and television, social media, webinars, and blog posts) to share their ideas with the public
- Communicates the long-term value of their work and field of study for society
About Jon C. Graff, PhD
Jon Graff, who lived in San Jose, Calif., was a Science News reader from 1974 until his death in 2021.
A pioneer in the field of digital cryptography, Graff started his career as a biochemistry, virology and cell biology researcher, authoring 17 scientific papers. He then moved into computer technology, developing secure digital communications as a cryptographic architect. He designed secure communication systems for Fortune 500 companies and was awarded a patent in digital communications. He is the author of Cryptography and E-Commerce: A Wiley Tech Brief and An Introduction to Modern Cryptography (Springer Verlag, 2000). Graff endowed the Graff Prize through his estate so the award can be given in perpetuity.
2023
Clara Sousa-Silva, PhD, Bard College
- Science News unveils its list of 10 young scientists who are shaping our future
- Here are 10 early-career scientists you should know about in 2023
- Clara Sousa-Silva seeks molecular signatures of life in alien atmospheres
The 2023 Selection Committee awarded the Graff Prize to Clara Sousa-Silva, Assistant Professor of Physics at Bard College. The committee praised Dr. Sousa-Silva’s dynamic communication style and her ability to explain clearly an often abstract field of science to a range of audiences with enthusiasm.
2022
Tina Lasisi, PhD, University of Michigan
- Science News unveils their list of 10 young scientists pushing the boundaries of scientific inquiry
- Big questions inspire the scientists on this year’s SN 10 list
- Tina Lasisi wants to untangle the evolution of human hair
Biological anthropologist Tina Lasisi, who studies the evolution of human variation, hosts a PBS Digital Studios show and is a popular voice on TikTok. She wants to inspire people of color to ask questions important to them. “Research is me-search,” she says.
2021
Emily Fischer, PhD, Colorado State University
- Emily Fischer to Receive Jon C. Graff, Ph.D. Prize for Excellence in Science Communication
- This year’s SN 10 scientists aim to solve some of science’s biggest challenges
An atmospheric chemist, Fischer uses field-based and applied modeling approaches to investigate the sources of atmospheric trace gases. Her work aims to improve our understanding of the role of climate in determining the atmosphere’s self-cleansing capacity. Her studies of wildfire smoke and its effect on our atmosphere have received media attention over the past few years.
2020
Anna Mueller, PhD Indiana University
- Science News Presents The SN 10: Scientists to Watch
- This year’s SN 10 scientists aim to solve some of science’s biggest challenges
Mueller’s long-term goal is to create a sort of litmus test that identifies schools that could be at risk of a suicide cluster. That way, school and community leaders can intervene before the first suicide and its resulting firestorm.
2019
Abigial Swann, PhD, University of Washington
- Science News Presents The SN 10: Scientists to Watch
- This year’s SN 10 enjoy the journey, not just the discovery
- Abigail Swann’s alternate Earths show how plants shape climate
Swann was selected for her mastery of conveying complex ideas with clarity, making science accessible to a variety of audiences.