CHICAGO, October 29, 2026 — NORC at the University of Chicago is launching the Fact Forward Awards, a new awards program recognizing data journalism that advances public understanding through the thoughtful use of facts, evidence, and data.

The awards reflect NORC’s commitment to strengthening trust in information and encouraging data-driven reporting that helps people better understand the issues shaping society.

Four awards will be presented:

• The Impact Award, recognizing data journalism that makes a major contribution to society
• The Visualization Award, recognizing excellence in the visual presentation and interpretation of data
• The Breakthrough Award, recognizing innovative tools, systems, methods, or processes that advance data journalism
• The Student Award, recognizing exceptional use of data in student journalism

The Impact, Visualization, and Breakthrough Awards each include a $10,000 prize. The Student Award includes a $5,000 prize.

The awards are platform-agnostic and open to work intended for the general public that was first published in 2025 or 2026.

“At a time when trust in media institutions is declining, high-quality data journalism helps people navigate complex issues through facts and evidence,” said Dan Gaylin, president and CEO of NORC at the University of Chicago. “The Fact Forward Awards recognize journalists who use data to deepen public understanding and strengthen trust in fact-based information.” 

Applications open November 18 and close January 22, 2027. Winners will be announced in late spring 2027.

Additional information, eligibility requirements, and entry instructions are available on the Fact Forward Awards webpage.

The Fact Forward Awards were created to advance the principles outlined in Fact Forward: The Perils of Bad Information and the Promise of a Data-Savvy Society by Dan Gaylin.