Ogbunu Recognized for Science Communications Excellence by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Brandon Ogbunu, Assistant Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, has been named a recipient of the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

The awards recognize 24 individuals in three categories – research scientists, science journalists, and science communicators – who have “developed creative, original work to communicate issues and advances in science, engineering, and medicine to the general public.”

Ogbunu is one of nine research scientists recognized for their excellence in science communication. His articles about the potential of data science to address health inequities, issues with reward systems of academia, and modern scientists’ attempts to control evolution were highlighted as exemplary of his work in communicating a wide range of scientific topics to the public and scientific community.

“This award is an enormous triumph,” Ogbunu told the National Academies. “I've never before had my work at the intersection of science and society formally acknowledged in this manner, and it serves as a profound boost to my interest in growing this area of my professional and intellectual identity.”  

Ogbunu and fellow winners will be honored during an invitation-only workshop Dec. 4-6, 2024.