There's no doubt that journalists using social science techniques – including computer-assisted reporting – have produced some great stories. Each issue of Uplink is a testament to that, as journalists recount how these skills helped them uncover or advance their stories. Last year NICAR, a joint program of IRE and the Missouri School of Journalism; the Knight Chair in Journalism at Arizona State University; and IRE introduced the Philip Meyer Journalism Award to honor the best examples.
The inaugural first-place prize went to The Oregonian for "Unnecessary Epidemic," a series that used statistical analysis to show how the federal government missed opportunities to stop the growth of methamphetamine abuse. "Discharged and Dishonored," which you can read about in this issue of Uplink, won second place for reporters in the former Knight Ridder Washington Bureau. The awards are given annually to recognize the legacy of Philip Meyer, Knight Chair in Journalism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and father of "precision journalism." If you have a story or stories that you feel are worth consideration for the 2006 awards, see www.ire.org/meyer-award for more information.
Works in print, television, books or online are eligible. Don't wait, because the postmark deadline for entry in the 2006 awards is Oct. 31. Contact David Herzog by email at dherzog@nicar.org.