Indian-origin writer Anil Ananthaswamy wins British Physics journalism prize

A London-based Indian-origin writer has won the inaugural Physics Journalism Prize aimed at inspiring the next generation of physicists by encouraging journalists to spread awareness about the complex subject.

Anil Ananthaswamy, a consultant at New Scientist Magazine and author of 'The Edge of Physics', has won the prize sponsored by the Institute of Physics (IOP) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).

The Physics Journalism Prize offers an expenses paid trip to Japan to visit world-leading facilities carrying out research at the frontiers of physics.

His article 'Hip Hip Array', that "brings to life" on the Square Kilometre Array, an international project to design and build the largest radio telescope ever conceived, made him the winner, according to an IOP release.

"Anil Ananthaswamy is being awarded the prize for writing a feature which brings one of the world's most exciting astronomical endeavours to life -- the Square Kilometre Array," Sir Peter Knight, President of IOP, said.

The writer responded to the win, saying he "truly appreciates the recognition".

"Writing about physics, especially about the work being done in remote, difficult and sometimes hostile environments, is a special pleasure. Winning an award for doing what I love to do is just icing on the cake. I truly appreciate the recognition," Ananthaswamy said.

Kirsten Bodley, chief executive of STEMNET, said the winning article will be "particularly inspirational to young people, offering them an opportunity to see how fascinating contemporary physics research can be".

"Anil Ananthaswamy has an eye for illustrative detail of which the best travel writers would be proud," Mark Henderson, Head of Communications at the Wellcome Trust and former Science Editor at The Times, said.

"The Square Kilometre Array will be one of the world's largest and most complex science experiments. It will open new avenues of research, and delve further back into the formation of the universe," Terry O'Connor, head of communications at STFC said, commenting on the winner's choice of topic.

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