STAT wins Polk Award for reporting on Trump's impact on FDA and health

STAT wins George Polk Award for FDA coverage

STAT has won a George Polk Award for its reporting on the Trump administration's impact on science and public health. The award specifically honors the outlet's documentation of the administration's shakeup of the Food and Drug Administration.

The prestigious journalism award recognizes STAT's investigative work during a critical period for federal health agencies. This reporting detailed significant changes to scientific research norms and regulatory oversight.

Reporting focused on political influence

The winning coverage meticulously tracked how political pressures altered the work of the FDA and other scientific bodies. Reporters focused on instances where scientific integrity appeared to be compromised by administrative directives.

This body of work provided the public with a clear account of how key health institutions were transformed. The reporting held power to account during a time of rapid and consequential change.

The George Polk Awards honor investigative journalism

Established in 1949, the George Polk Awards are among journalism's most distinguished honors. They memorialize CBS correspondent George W. Polk, who was killed while covering the Greek civil war.

The awards are conferred by Long Island University to recognize special achievement in journalism. Winners are selected for their courage, resourcefulness, and investigative enterprise.

Key areas the awards typically honor include:

• National and international reporting
• Local and regional investigative work
• Political, business, and environmental journalism
• Medical and science reporting

STAT's mission in health and science news

STAT, launched in 2015, is a national publication focused on health, medicine, and scientific discovery. It is owned by Boston Globe Media and operates with a mandate to deliver rigorous, in-depth journalism.

The outlet has quickly established itself as an essential source for coverage of the biotech industry, pharmaceutical policy, and public health. Its reporting often bridges the gap between complex scientific developments and their real-world implications.

This Polk Award underscores STAT's commitment to holding powerful institutions accountable. It validates the critical role of specialized, investigative journalism in the science and health media landscape.