LifeScienceXplained
For Those Who Can Explain Life Sciences
The LifeScienceXplained award honors communicators who use creative formats to make complex life science topics understandable to a broad audience. The award is endowed with 15,000 euros in prize money.
This year's submissions have once again demonstrated the many ways in which science communication can succeed. From numerous entries, our jury selected three outstanding contributions that have advanced to the final round of the 2026 LifeScienceXplained award.
The winner will be announced at the award ceremony on November 5, 2026, which is part of the Göttinger Literaturherbst festival.
Until then, we invite you to discover the three finalists, who stood out for their creative ideas and compelling formats.
The Nominees 2026
"Why Brain Cancer is SO Dangerous"
Jonathan Bennion, Co-Founder and Director of Education at the Institute of Human Anatomy
What makes brain tumors so unique, and why do they continue to pose enormous challenges for physicians today? This video takes us inside the human brain and uses real human specimens to demonstrate the different rules that apply to brain tumors compared to cancers in other organs. The video vividly illustrates how the brain protects itself, why even benign tumors can become life-threatening, and why their treatment is so difficult. Complex scientific concepts are conveyed clearly, tangibly, and compellingly.
The jury was particularly impressed by the combination of scientific precision and impressive visual storytelling. Working with real anatomical structures makes complex scientific concepts tangible and reveals what would otherwise be difficult to imagine. Innovative, creative, and scientifically outstanding, the video demonstrates how modern science communication can inspire and engage audiences.
Watch the video on YouTube: "Why Brain Cancer is SO Dangerous"
"Truly Human!"
Dr. Karsten Brensing, Behavioural Biologist and Author
Katrin Linke, Science Communicator and Author
The children's non-fiction book "Truly Human!" by Karsten Brensing and Katrin Linke, illustrated by Nicolai Renger, takes not only young readers on an exciting journey through human history. From the Stone Age to the age of artificial intelligence, the authors clearly and engagingly explain what makes us human and why we are the way we are. Accessible text and charming illustrations draw on scientific content, making even complex concepts easy to understand.
The jury was particularly impressed by the combination of in-depth knowledge, accessible language, and thoughtful design. "Truly Human!" showcases how modern science communication can spark curiosity and engage readers far beyond its intended target audience.
Discover the children's non-fiction book: "Truly Human!"
(Available in German only)
"Case from the Clinic: Seizure in the Supermarket"
Dr. med. Nibras Naami, Senior Consultant in Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine and Co-Founder of "Hand, Fuß, Mund"
Through the Instagram channel "Hand, Fuß, Mund", Nibras Naami and his team demonstrate how health education on social media can be both accessible and personal. Drawing on the story of a boy who became seriously ill years after having his spleen removed, the video clearly and approachably explains the often-underestimated role of the spleen in our immune system. The post effectively combines medical expertise with a personal story that resonates with the audience.
With its effective storytelling, clear communication of scientific knowledge, and concise format, "Hand, Fuß, Mund" impressed the jury. This submission shows that well-founded, evidence-based science communication can be conveyed clearly, relevantly, and engagingly in just a few minutes.
Watch the Instagram Reel: "Case from the Clinic: Seizure in the Supermarket"
(Available in German only)
The Jury
The LifeScienceXplained prize is awarded by an independent jury of science and communication professionals. Three criteria are decisive for their decision: verifiability, comprehensibility and creativity.
After careful consideration of all entries, the jury selects three entries from which the winning entrywill be chosen. The name of the winner and the jury's reasoning are announced at the award ceremony each year. The three final entries will be published in advance.
The Best of Five Years LifeScienceXplained
Partner
The Sartorius Prize for New Communication is awarded together with the NDR Non-fiction Book Prize. This award, also endowed with 15,000 euros, recognizes the best non-fiction book of the year published in German.
The joint award ceremony will take place on November 5, 2026 as part of the Göttinger Literaturherbst festival at the Sartorius Campus in Göttingen.