Full Breakdown
Three Authors Awarded for Blending Science and Literature
1/21/2026, 10:25:06 PM
Overview of the Science + Literature Awards
On January 20, 2026, the National Book Foundation and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation announced the winners of the fifth annual Science + Literature awards, recognizing three authors for their exceptional ability to intertwine scientific research with literary expression. Each winner received a $10,000 prize for their contributions to the genre.
Award-Winning Works
The awarded books include:
- “Ancient Light” by Kimberly Blaeser, a poetry collection inspired by the environmental destruction faced by Indigenous communities.
- “Bog Queen” by Anna North, a novel that follows a forensic anthropologist and a 2000-year-old Celtic druid.
- “Forest Euphoria: The Abounding Queerness of Nature” by Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian, a nonfiction work exploring the relationship between queerness and nature.
Doron Weber, vice president and program director at the Sloan Foundation, praised the authors, stating, “These gifted storytellers shine a scientific and poetic light on the beauties and terrors of nature and what they reveal to us about our deepest selves, our humanity, and our existence on this planet.”
Mission and Importance of the Awards
The Science + Literature awards aim to highlight diverse voices in science writing that engage and challenge readers. Ruth Dickey, executive director of the National Book Foundation, emphasized the importance of these awards in promoting literature that combines scientific inquiry with artistic expression. Daisy Hernández, chair of the awards committee, noted the urgency of elevating such works, especially in a time when science faces significant scrutiny.
Broader Implications
The recognition of these authors underscores a growing trend in literature that seeks to bridge the gap between science and the humanities. The awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also reflect a broader cultural movement that values interdisciplinary approaches to storytelling. This is particularly relevant as discussions around science and its role in society become increasingly polarized.
Verbatim Quotes
- “These gifted storytellers shine a scientific and poetic light on the beauties and terrors of nature and what they reveal to us about our deepest selves, our humanity, and our existence on this planet,” — Doron Weber, Vice President, Sloan Foundation
- “At a time when science is under attack, it has become more urgent to elevate books that bring together the art of literature with the wonders of science,” — Daisy Hernández, Chair of the Awards Committee
Conclusion
The Science + Literature awards serve as a vital platform for recognizing authors who skillfully blend scientific themes with literary artistry. By honoring works that illuminate the intersection of these fields, the awards contribute to a richer understanding of both science and literature in contemporary discourse.
