The Royal Society has appointed a cross-disciplinary panel, including comedians, historians, and palaeontologists, to judge the 2026 Trivedi Science Book Prize. Chaired by Professor Mike Benton, the panel aims to elevate science communication by blending academic rigor with diverse perspectives from the arts and media. The shortlist will be revealed during the 2026 Summer Science Exhibition.
Who is judging the 2026 Royal Society Science Book Prize?
The 2026 judging panel features a mix of scientific and creative professionals to ensure a broad appeal for the winning title. According to the Royal Society, the panel is chaired by palaeontologist Professor Mike Benton. Joining him are speculative fiction author Irenosen Okojie, actor and comedian Eshaan Akbar, and BBC radio presenter Marnie Chesterton. Historian Subhadra Das and Waterstones non-fiction manager Adeela Badshah complete the group.
The Royal Society Science Book Prize was founded in 1988. Past judges include high-profile figures such as David Attenborough, Terry Pratchett, and Ian McEwan.
Why does interdisciplinary judging matter for science books?
Science communication is shifting away from purely academic texts toward narrative-driven storytelling. Professor Mike Benton stated that a great science book must captivate readers from all walks of life, not just those within the scientific community. By including figures like Akbar, who brings a background in comedy, and Okojie, who writes speculative fiction, the Royal Society seeks to bridge the gap between technical discovery and public interest.
This approach mirrors the success of recent winners. For example, An Immense World by Ed Yong (2023) and A City on Mars by Kelly and Zach Weinersmith (2024) reached mass audiences by framing complex topics—animal senses and space colonization—through accessible, engaging narratives.
How will the 2026 shortlist be announced?
For the first time, the Royal Society will reveal the shortlist to a live audience at the Summer Science Exhibition. The event takes place on June 30, 2026, as part of the “Summer Science Lates” program. According to the Society, four of the judges—Akbar, Chesterton, Das, and Okojie—will discuss the selection process and share their views on the state of modern science writing during the event.
If you plan to attend the 2026 Summer Science Lates, arrive early. The event is free, but it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
What are the trends in popular science literature?
Popular science writing is increasingly focusing on the human experience of discovery. Ashok Trivedi, President of the Trivedi Family Foundation, noted that the most successful books often reveal how science impacts daily life in unexpected ways. Recent trends show a move toward:
- Neuroscience and Identity: As seen in Masud Husain’s 2025 winner Our Brains, Our Selves.
- Speculative Space Exploration: Analyzing the feasibility of life beyond Earth, as explored in the 2024 winning title A City on Mars.
- Sensory Biology: Examining the world through non-human perspectives, a major theme in 2023’s An Immense World.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Royal Society Trivedi Science Book Prize?
It is an annual award founded in 1988 that honors the best popular science writing from around the world.
Who funds the prize?
The prize is supported by the Trivedi Family Foundation.
Can I attend the 2026 shortlist reveal?
Yes, the reveal is a free event held during the Summer Science Lates on June 30, 2026, and is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.
Are you interested in the intersection of science and storytelling? Share your favorite popular science books in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for updates on the 2026 shortlist.
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