In a time when clear, reliable information is increasingly scarce, trustworthy sources of communication are more essential than ever.
In association with Sense About Science and the Science Media Centre, the Statistical Laboratory celebrates those who bring evidence to life through clear and effective communication, with the annual Harding Prizes for Trustworthy Communication.
Entries close on the 15th of February 2026, so please help us find the best communications of evidence in 2025.
What kind of evidence?
The Harding Prizes are specifically for those who try to gather together the information that helps someone make a decision, or make their mind up about a subject, without trying to tell them what to do.
We are awarding two prizes: one for a communication aimed at a lay audience, and one for a communication aimed at an expert audience.
The communication might help people make a significant decision in their own daily life: about their personal finances, their health, their education, or a big life change. Or it might help people make a decision on behalf of others: perhaps if they’re policymakers, head teachers, business leaders or those who support other individuals. It doesn’t have to be a decision with a clear action – it could helping people decide what to think: on the pros and cons of a big issue – like nuclear power, tax policies or drugs laws.
What subjects and formats?
Those above are just examples. The range of eligible subjects, audiences and media is wide, and could include almost anything involving a significant decision.
‘Communication’ might mean a news article, a social media posting, a website, a leaflet, a report, original research in a journal, a podcast, TV, a speech… As long as it can be taken in within ten minutes (e.g. not a book), and you can provide it to us in full for judging.
Communications must be in English but can originate from any country, worldwide. Entries must have been first placed in the public domain during 2025.
The prizes
The Harding Prizes are each worth £3,141.59 to celebrate the number .
In addition, the winners will have the opportunity to meet in person Prof Sir David Spiegelhalter, who is the spokesperson for the prize.
Who can enter?
Anyone can submit an entry – which can either be a piece of your own work, or something that you have seen and appreciated. All entries should be submitted online at hardingprize.com
In order to be awarded the Harding Prize, the originator of the communication must be correctly identifiable.
Opening date: 12th January 2026.
Closing date: 15th February 2026.
Spokesperson for the prize
Judging panel
Along with Prof Sir David Spiegelhalter we are thrilled to have a versatile judging panel comprised of communication experts from different areas, including:
- Baroness Freeman of Steventon, non-party-political life peer of the House of Lords and former executive director of the Winton Centre for Risk and Evidence Communication
- David Schley, Deputy Director of Sense about Science
- Prof Alf Collins, former NHS England’s Clinical Director for the Personalised Care Group
*The MJA does not endorse specific products, events or organisations but is pleased to share information for members to consider and use at their discretion.