This $12,000 award, made possible through the generous support of Eva Lohrer, seeks to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Pulitzer Center-affiliated freelance journalists who report on underreported issues that affect us all.
The Pulitzer Center is pleased to announce the fourth annual Breakthrough Journalism Award. This $12,000 award, made possible through the generous support of Eva Lohrer, seeks to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Pulitzer Center-affiliated freelance journalists who report on underreported issues that affect us all. The runner-up will be awarded $5,000.
OVERVIEW
The annual Breakthrough Award, inaugurated in 2020, is made possible through the generous support of Eva Lohrer. The award seeks to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Pulitzer Center-affiliated freelance journalists who report on underreported issues.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
All early-to-mid-career Pulitzer Center-affiliated freelance journalists from around the globe are eligible to be selected for this award. Journalists with full-time staff positions are not eligible.
Meet the past Breakthrough Journalism Award winners here, and read their winning projects here.
PROCESS
The award was previously determined by a panel of three judges, but starting in 2023, the process was changed to an internal review within the Center itself.
The process now begins with soliciting nominations from Pulitzer Center staff, and then after a few rounds or review by a committee, a final decision is made.
By transitioning to an in-house selection process, the Center aims to benefit from the diverse perspectives of its staff members and their deep knowledge of the candidates. This change also involves a more comprehensive and collaborative approach to selecting award recipients, involving the collective knowledge and insights of the Center's internal team.
UPDATE
Independent Multimedia Journalist Wins Pulitzer Center Award for Innovative Gender, Climate Storytelling
The Pulitzer Center is pleased to announce freelance multimedia journalist Sidrah Fatma Ahmed has been selected as the 2023 winner of the Pulitzer Center's annual Breakthrough Journalism Award. The runner-up award goes to freelance journalist Emily Fishbein.
WHEN WILL THE AWARD BE ANNOUNCED?
If you are being considered for the short list, we will contact you regarding next steps. Typically, the annual award is announced each spring.
ABOUT THE PULITZER CENTER
Since 2006, the Pulitzer Center has consistently demonstrated its commitment to shining light on critical global issues that are too often ignored. Through the sponsorship of quality international journalism across all media platforms and an innovative program of outreach and education, we have helped inform debates, nurture dialogues, and advance understanding of the defining challenges of our time.
PAST WINNERS
2022
Winner: Neha Wadekar
Runner-up: Luisa García Tellez
UPDATE
Journalist Who Reveals Deeper Truths About Mozambique Insurgency Wins $12,000 Pulitzer Center Award
We are delighted to announce that freelance journalist Neha Wadekar has been selected as the winner of the Pulitzer Center's annual Breakthrough Journalism Award. The runner-up award goes to freelance Peruvian journalist Luisa García Tellez.
2021
Winner: Mariana Palau
Runner-up: Alexander Clapp
UPDATE
Journalist Who Exposed Colombia Military Killings Wins $10K Pulitzer Center Award
We are delighted to announce that freelance journalist Mariana Palau has been selected as the winner of the Pulitzer Center's annual Breakthrough Journalism Award. The runner-up is freelance journalist Alexander Clapp.
2020
Winner: Victoria Mckenzie
UPDATE
2020 Breakthrough Journalism Award Winner Announced
We are delighted to announce that freelance journalist Victoria Mckenzie has been selected as the winner of the Pulitzer Center's first annual Breakthrough Journalism Award. Mckenzie was recognized for her role in "Nowhere to Turn," a 2019 Pulitzer-supported project on sexual assaults against Alaska Native women.
EXPLORE PAST WINNERS' PROJECTS
Neha Wadekar
The Hidden Story Behind the Fight for Cabo Delgado
This project explores the drivers behind the escalating insurgency in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique.
Mariana Palau
Colombia: After the Peace Deal
After the deal, the hard work: an investigation looking at the successes and failures of Colombia’s peace agreement with the FARC guerrilla group.
Victoria Mckenzie
Nowhere to Turn
In remote villages of rural Alaska, Native women and girls who suffer high rates of sexual violence are frustrated by what they call an ongoing legacy of indifference from authorities.