John Maddox Prize
The John Maddox Prize for courageously advancing public discourse with sound science recognises individuals who stand up for science and evidence, advancing public discussion around difficult topics despite challenges or hostility.
The John Maddox prize is a joint initiative of the charity Sense about Science and the leading international scientific journal Nature. The prize has been awarded annually since 2012 to individuals who have shown courage and integrity in standing up for sound science and evidence. In addition to the main award, there is an additional prize for an individual considered to be at an early career stage.
The prize brings into the spotlight the underappreciated efforts of people the world over who try to bring research and evidence to public debate even when it is challenging, and inspires and encourages others to do the same. The prize has a global focus and received hundreds of nominations from dozens of countries.
The purpose of the John Maddox Prize is to:
- Recognise individuals who stand up for sound science and evidence, advancing the public discussion of difficult topics despite challenges or hostility.
- Bring attention to the courage and effort shown by underappreciated researchers who take responsibility for helping society understand research evidence, and encourage others to do the same.
- Represent the fact that we don’t yet live in a world where it is safe for researchers to speak out openly and honestly about research findings.
- Advocate positive change towards an environment in which researchers can engage society in difficult conversations about scientific evidence without fear of professional or personal consequences.
“Scientists like me are emboldened by this singular award to confront obstacles and ensure credible evidence is used to inform policies for sustainable development.”
Dr Eucharia Nwaichi winner of the 2022 John Maddox Prize
Sir John Maddox, whose name this prize commemorates, was a passionate and tireless champion and defender of science, engaging with difficult debates and inspiring others to do the same. As a writer and editor, he changed attitudes and perceptions, and strove for better understanding and appreciation of science throughout his long working life.
The prize is run and funded by Sense about Science, where Sir John Maddox was a founding trustee, and Nature, where he was editor for over 20 years, with support from Clare and Andrew Lyddon.
Anyone can nominate or be nominated for the John Maddox Prize, including self-nomination. Being nominated for the prize is not an endorsement by Sense about Science or the journal Nature.
Maddox Prize news
Why is the John Maddox Prize important?
With the discourse around major global challenges such as climate change and Covid-19 becoming increasingly …
Salim Abdool Karim: dealing with denialism across the decades
Salim Abdool Karim has spent his entire life combatting discrimination and misinformation. He spoke …
Maddox Prize demonstrates wide-ranging challenges to open discussion of science and evidence
Canadian haematologist Nancy Olivieri is awarded the 2023 John Maddox Prize for championing the importance …
Maddox Prize 2023
The John Maddox Prize for courageously advancing public discourse with sound science recognises individuals …
Maddox Prize 2022
Dr Eucharia Oluchi Nwaichi, a biochemist at the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, has been …
Maddox Prize 2021
Dr Elisabeth Bik, a passionate advocate of research integrity, awarded 2021 John Maddox Prize for outstanding …
Maddox Prize 2020
Anthony Fauci and Salim S. Abdool Karim, key government health advisors for the United States of America …
Maddox Prize 2019
Two courageous scientists, forest fire expert Prof. Dr. Ir. H. Bambang Hero Saharjo and pharmacist Olivier …
Maddox Prize 2017
Women’s health champion, Dr Riko Muranaka, was awarded the 2017 John Maddox Prize for Standing up for …
Maddox Prize 2016
Pioneer in understanding of human memory, Professor Elizabeth Loftus awarded the 2016 John Maddox Prize …
Maddox Prize 2015
Prof Edzard Ernst and Prof Susan Jebb are the two winners of the 2015 John Maddox Prize for Standing …
Maddox Prize 2014
Dr Emily Willingham and Dr David Robert Grimes are the two winners of the 2014 John Maddox Prize for …
Maddox Prize 2013
Professor David Nutt is the winner of the 2013 John Maddox Prize for Standing up for Science. The judges …
Maddox Prize 2012
Professor Simon Wessely and Dr Fang Shi-min are the two winners of the inaugural John Maddox Prize for …
How the Maddox Prize validates the struggles of courageous researchers
In autumn 2021 at an academic conference in Liverpool, over tea away from the hubbub of the conference …
Call off the Wedding – Guest blog by Maddox nominee Tisha Schuller
Guest blog by Tisha Schuller, a Maddox Prize nominee
An interview with Olivier Bernard
Olivier Bernard, a pharmacist from Quebec, has been awarded the John Maddox Prize for an early career …
Partners
The prize is run and funded by Sense about Science, where Sir John Maddox was a founding trustee, thanks to supporters including Andrew and Clare Lyddon, and the journal Nature, where he was editor for over 20 years.