AAAS Science Journalism Awards

2005 RECIPIENT: Large Newspaper

Dennis Overbye
The New York Times
"String Theory, at 20, Explains It All (or Not)" 7 December 2004
"Remembrance of Things Future: The Mystery of Time" 28 June 2005
"The Next Einstein? Applicants Welcome" 1 March 2005

The print judging committee was impressed by Overbye's wit and erudition in walking readers through the arcane world of string theory, the mysteries of time, and the prospects for another Albert Einstein.

"Sometimes the simplest, most basic elements of the universe are the most difficult to understand and explain, and surely time must be one of the top contenders," said Gino Del Guercio, an independent television producer and former AAAS journalism prize winner who served as a judge. "Overbye writes about it with wit and clarity that makes it all look easy."

"Overbye's articles reflect the fearlessness that a science reporter needs to explore the cutting edge of science and even sometimes step over it into realms where scientists themselves are not so sure-footed," said Tom Siegfried, a freelancer and former science editor of The Dallas Morning News.

Thinking and writing about the big questions in cosmology and particle physics "is an important aspect of human experience," Overbye said. "I'm thrilled I've been able to make a living at it."