The University of Cambridge is a world leader in exoplanet science, and we knew this result—on the strongest hints of a potential biosignature in the atmosphere of an exoplanet—would attract widespread global media attention. Our goal was to achieve balance between the genuine excitement of the result and the need to stress caution. Our primary audience was top-tier global media outlets, primarily in the U.K. and U.S. The writer worked for several weeks with the researchers to craft the story in a way that would help achieve these goals. This included the preparation of written and video content, all produced in-house. The writer pitched the story to carefully selected journalists, instead of a broad-based distribution strategy, to ensure the result was reported responsibly and without the risk of an embargo break. This included an invite-only press conference, where the lead researcher answered a wide range of questions from journalists. This work resulted in more than 9,000 pieces of global media coverage, by far our biggest research story of 2025. For the most part, the coverage was measured and balanced, a reflection of the many hours of work and the quality of the news story.
From the Judges
Great overall package with a thoughtful approach that kept the focus on the science!
