Today's Read Contributor On January 23, 2026, three remarkable authors were recognized for their ability to bridge the worlds of science and literature in a celebration held by the National Book Foundation and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. During the announcement of the fifth annual Science + Literature awards in New York, these authors were honored for their exceptional works that combine scientific insight with literary craft. The awards are designed to celebrate books that deepen readers’ understanding of scientific concepts while engaging them through poetry, fiction, and nonfiction.
Each of the awardees received $10,000 for their contributions to literature and science. Kimberly Blaeser, a poet whose work reflects deep connections with the natural world, was recognized for her poetry collection Ancient Light. The collection is rooted in Indigenous knowledge and addresses environmental themes, offering a reflective perspective on nature through the lens of both heritage and science. Blaeser’s work is noted for weaving together poetic beauty with complex scientific and ecological observations, making it both a literary and intellectual exploration of the environment.
Anna North received the award for her novel Bog Queen, a compelling blend of forensic anthropology and broader cultural narratives. The novel uses the fascinating field of anthropology to explore human history and identity, intertwining it with a fictional narrative that challenges cultural perceptions and highlights the intersection of science and human experience. North’s ability to bring anthropology to life through vivid storytelling has captivated readers and created a dialogue between the sciences and the broader cultural implications of archaeological discoveries.
Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian was honored for her nonfiction book Forest Euphoria: The Abounding Queerness of Nature, an exploration of natural science through an intersectional lens. The book delves into the science of nature, looking at ecosystems and organisms while addressing themes of queerness and identity in the natural world. Kaishian’s work challenges readers to view the natural world through a more inclusive and diverse perspective, incorporating scientific facts alongside powerful social and cultural commentary. Her exploration of nature through an intersectional framework invites readers to reconsider how science and identity can coexist and enrich our understanding of both.
Doron Weber, Vice President of the Sloan Foundation, praised these works for their ability to illuminate scientific concepts while simultaneously engaging readers with rich and thoughtful storytelling. According to Weber, these authors exemplify how science and literature can intersect in profound and meaningful ways, making complex scientific topics accessible and emotionally resonant for a wide audience. The Science + Literature awards highlight the importance of literature in conveying scientific knowledge, showing how storytelling can serve as a tool for deepening understanding and fostering curiosity about the world around us.
The ceremony honoring this year’s awardees is scheduled for March 2026 and will be streamed online, allowing audiences from across the world to celebrate these innovative writers and their contributions to both science and literature. As more authors continue to explore the intersection of science and storytelling, the Science + Literature awards offer an important platform for recognizing and promoting works that engage with the natural world, human identity, and the scientific concepts that shape our understanding of life.
In conclusion, the 2026 Science + Literature awards shine a spotlight on authors whose works not only enhance readers’ scientific knowledge but also captivate through their literary artistry. With books like Ancient Light, Bog Queen, and Forest Euphoria, these authors demonstrate that the world of science and the world of literature can be powerfully intertwined, offering readers new ways of thinking about both the natural world and our place within it. These awards celebrate the creativity and intellect that arise when science and storytelling converge, inspiring both science enthusiasts and literary lovers alike.
