The Solutions Journalism Network Awards are now open for entries to recognise and celebrate outstanding examples of solutions-focused journalism from around the world. The awards spotlight stories that go beyond highlighting problems to examine responses to them, raise standards in the craft, and inspire more rigorous, impactful reporting globally.
The awards welcome journalists worldwide, whether affiliated with large newsrooms, small outlets, or working independently. Submissions must be original, published work and can span any platform, including digital articles, video, print, podcasts, or radio. For series submissions, entrants should select one representative story. Anyone submitting on behalf of another journalist must have explicit permission from the author to enter the work.
Individual journalists may submit up to two bylined entries, with each requiring a separate submission form. Eligible entries must have been published or aired between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2025. Every story must include a byline to ensure transparency, and while editorial pieces are accepted, authors should report independently rather than on their own initiatives or projects. Student journalists will have a dedicated checkbox on the submission form to identify their work.
Entries must come from news outlets that demonstrate impartiality, with no vested interest in the initiatives being reported. While outlets may focus on specific issue areas, submissions cannot serve as publicity for a product, programme, or affiliated organisation, and paid content will be disqualified. All entries must be in English and submitted exactly as they were published. Subtitled works are permitted if they were originally published in that format. Each submission should include the story’s URL, publication date, title, author credit, and news outlet name, with courtesy access provided for paywalled content.
Entries will be evaluated to ensure they not only highlight effective responses to social issues but also demonstrate rigorous reporting and storytelling. Judges will consider how well each story uncovers evidence-based solutions, presents multiple perspectives, and provides context that allows audiences to understand the broader impact of the initiatives featured. Submissions that combine clarity, depth, and innovation in reporting will be particularly valued.
Following the initial screening, selected entries will move forward to a panel of judges representing a broad spectrum of expertise in journalism, ethics, and education. This diverse group will apply their experience to assess submissions against the awards’ standards, ensuring that recognition is given to stories that exemplify the highest quality in solutions-focused reporting. The process is designed to promote excellence, encourage learning, and inspire journalists worldwide to pursue impactful solutions journalism.
Interested applicants should submit their work through the online submission form. Applicants should ensure they complete the form fully, providing all the requested information. They should also include a direct link to the published piece, and for paywalled content, supply a courtesy access link. Applicants may also add an optional brief comment about their submission, limited to 200 words, to provide additional context or highlight aspects of their reporting.
Applications close on February 27, 2026.
For more information, please visit https://www.solutionsjournalism.org/what-you-can-do/awards
