2022 Book Awards

For over 20 years, the Science Writers and Communicators of Canada (SWCC) has recognized outstanding contributions to science writing with the annual SWCC Book Awards. In 2021, SWCC introduced its newest award: the Paradigm Prize for Underrepresented Perspectives in Science Writing.  As an organization, SWCC recognizes the need to expand the landscape of science communication and better represent the diversity of contributors across our community. It is our hope that this type of paradigm shift will help to foster a more inclusive environment for science writers in Canada and abroad. 

For the general category: 

The Invisible Siege: The Rise of Coronaviruses and the Search for a Cure

Written by Dan Werb (Publisher: Crown)

For the children’s category:

The Museum of Odd Body Leftovers: A Tour of Your Useless Parts, Flaws, and Other Weird Bits

Written by Rachel Poliquin, Illustrated by Clayton Hanmer (Publisher: Greystone Kids)

For the first time in the history of this competition, the judges are also awarding the Paradigm Prize for Underrepresented Perspectives in Science Writing.

In 2021, SWCC introduced its newest award: the Paradigm Prize for Underrepresented Perspectives in Science Writing. By recognizing the contributions of a first-time author, an author/illustrator from an underrepresented background, and/or work published by a small press or independent publisher, SWCC hopes the Paradigm Prize will help to support greater diversity in science writing. The judges have named The Museum of Odd Body Leftovers: A Tour of Your Useless Parts, Flaws, and Other Weird Bits as the 2022 Paradigm Prize winner, making it the first title in the history of the competition to receive two awards in a single year.

Announcing the winner, Rhonda Moore, President of the SWCC, said, "On behalf of the Science Writers and Communicators of Canada, our sincere congratulations to these talented authors and illustrator for their contributions to Canadian science literature. The SWCC is committed to communicating science - across all communications platforms - with accuracy and integrity. It is a pleasure to share our mission with such talented individuals as those we celebrate today."

SWCC would like to extend our sincere congratulations to Dan Werb, Rachel Poliquin, and Clayton Hanmer. The award for each of the two main categories is $1,000 and the Paradigm Prize winners will also receive $500 in recognition of their achievement.

SWCC looks forward to reviewing more outstanding examples of science writing when the competition reopens for submissions in fall 2023!