Celebrating scientists who share their work with the world–10 years of the Dr Katharine Giles Award

Picture: Dorrie Giles, mother of the late Dr Katharine Giles, hands the award to Jack Goulder for the best popular article written by a scientist. Credits: Mark Lewis Photography

Each year at the ABSW Awards, one prize stands out as a bridge between two worlds: the Dr Katharine Giles Award. It recognises the best popular article written by a scientist, technologist or engineer—someone who not only does the science, but brings it to life for the public. 

This year’s winner was Jack Goulder, a medical doctor at the NHS. Its sponsor, Dorrie Giles, mother of the late Dr Katharine Giles, has been a steadfast presence at every awards ceremony.

Jack’s winning piece, “A diagnosis can sweep away guilt: the delicate art of treating ADHD,” published in The Guardian in July 2024, details how a diagnosis can offer relief and clarity for patients and highlights the delicate relationship between doctors and patients managing this complex condition. The judges praised Jack’s writing for being “compassionate, careful, informed, thoughtful and graceful,” noting its ability to demystify ADHD while conveying the human experience behind the diagnosis.

“This award was created to encourage young scientists to share their work beyond their peers,” Dorrie explains. “That takes time, courage, and commitment—especially when scientists are often judged primarily on citations within the scientific community.”

Her daughter Katherine was a pioneering polar scientist whose work significantly advanced our understanding of sea ice and Arctic oceanography. Her research helped improve our understanding of how the Arctic is responding to climate change. But she was more than a brilliant scientist—Katharine was also a gifted communicator, determined to make her work accessible and engaging to the wider public.

After Katharine’s tragic death in a cycling accident in 2013, the award was established in her memory through the Dr Katharine Giles Fund. Over the past decade, it has spotlighted scientists who walk in Katherine’s footsteps—those who take risks to communicate complex ideas with clarity and passion.

Dorrie values the ABSW Awards as a unique opportunity to connect with science journalists. “It’s lovely talking to science journalists—you’re such a great group of people. I have a lot of respect for science journalism in this country; I think it’s excellent.” She sees the award not just as recognition, but as a potential career springboard, noting that some winners have gone on to pursue science journalism themselves.

Reflecting on a decade of winners spanning diverse fields, Dorrie expresses hope that the award will continue to inspire scientists to become better communicators. “There have been some fantastic winners over the past 10 years. I really hope the award continues.”