Standing up for Science 2025 Winners announced
London, 29 October 2025
Nature Awards and Sense about Science today announced the 2025 winners of Standing up for Science – The John Maddox Prize. The annual award seeks to recognise researchers who have stood up for science and advocated for evidence-based discussion in public discourse or policy.
The award is split into two categories:
- This year’s Maddox Prize has been given to Dr. Virginia Burkett, a climate scientist and ex-Chief Scientist for Climate and Land Use Change at the US Geological Survey, in recognition of her work around the impact of climate change on ecosystems.
- This year’s Early Career Award has been given to Dr. Nicolás Zanetta-Colombo, for his efforts in engaging communities living near copper mines in Chile to fill data gaps in the research and documentation of heavy metal impacts on the surrounding environment.
- Additionally, the Judges commended Andrew Macintosh for his work in identifying issues in the administration of Australia’s carbon offset scheme.
Magdalena Skipper, Editor in Chief of Nature, commented:
“Science and innovation are built on collaboration, evidence-based knowledge and research sharing, and ensuring all voices can be heard. Our Nature Awards programme recognises those outstanding individuals whose work achieves this. This year’s winners of the Standing up for Science - John Maddox Nature Award have made key contributions to promoting science that is both globally and locally relevant. Their work deserves to be rewarded and celebrated”
Tracey Brown, director of Sense about Science and a judge, said on the awards:
"The Maddox Prize highlights the damage done to society when good research is suppressed and when scientists are intimidated from contributing to public discussion. This year’s courageous winners have insisted on the public’s access to evidence. The prize celebrates their work, but the best recognition would be for all of us – from politicians and university leaders to social media commentators - to start defending researchers who bring evidence to difficult issues, regardless of whether it fits our views."
For more information about this year's winners, the prize categories, and our previous winners, please visit the Standing up for Science -The John Maddox Prize homepage.
These awards form part of a suite of programmes which support science communication, recognising the vital role that research plays in society. More on the awards programme can be found here.
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David Schley | Deputy Director | Sense about Science
David@senseaboutscience.org +44 07421995045
