Winners of International Quantum Year science-journalism competition picked

Physics World and Physics Magazine announce successful pitches The post Winners of International Quantum Year science-journalism competition picked appeared first on Physics World .

6 April 2026 at 09:22 pm

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Winners of International Quantum Year science-journalism competition picked

The International Quantum Year has seen a surge of interest in science journalism, with two African journalists emerging as the winners of the Quantum Pitch Competition organized by Physics World and Physics Magazine. The competition, launched at the 2025 World Conference of Science Journalists in Pretoria, South Africa, invited delegates to submit story ideas on any aspect of quantum science and technology. This initiative aimed to celebrate and promote the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ).

Mkhululi Chimoio, a Zimbabwean-born investigative journalist now based in South Africa, secured first place with his compelling story about Lindiwe Khumalo, a South African physicist conducting experiments on quantum sensors in a former gold mine 3 kilometers underground. Chimoio's article highlights Khumalo's unique environment, which is typically associated with heavy industry rather than quantum physics. The natural shielding provided by 3 kilometers of rock allows Khumalo to test muon-based sensors and ultralow-noise interferometric measurements, contributing to advancements in dark-matter detection, neutrino studies, and precision metrology. Chimoio's piece will be published in Physics World soon, offering readers a human-interest angle on the world of quantum science.

Chimoio specializes in geopolitics, technology, security, and socioeconomic issues, with his work appearing in publications such as Nature Africa and Africa Uncensored. His win in the Quantum Pitch Competition showcases the potential of science journalism to bridge the gap between scientific discoveries and the general public, making complex topics accessible and engaging.

The second winner, Paul Adepoju, is a freelance journalist and podcaster based in Ibadan, Nigeria. Adepoju's winning piece, published today in Physics Magazine, describes the discovery of large-scale galactic motion using the emission produced by tiny quantum "spin-flips" in hydrogen atoms. His story revolves around the recent finding of rotation within a galaxy-filled filament that stretches over 50 million light-years. This cosmic winding, which had never been directly measured in a single filament, was discovered using hydrogen-emission data from the MeerKAT telescope in South Africa.

Adepoju's background in journalism includes contributions to renowned publications such as Nature, New Scientist, and Scientific American. His pitch-winning story not only highlights a groundbreaking scientific discovery but also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the role of technology in advancing our understanding of the universe.

The success of both Chimoio and Adepoju in the Quantum Pitch Competition reflects the growing prominence of African voices in the field of science journalism. Their stories not only shed light on cutting-edge research but also emphasize the diverse environments and perspectives within which scientific breakthroughs are achieved. As the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology continues, these journalistic efforts will play a crucial role in fostering public engagement and appreciation for the complex world of quantum physics.

Source: Physics World

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