CJF Hinton Award for Excellence in AI Safety Reporting
An annual $10,000 award recognizing exceptional journalism that critically examines the safety implications of artificial intelligence.
- AWARDED WITH
- Canadian Journalism Foundation
- PRIZE
- $10,000 · Annual
Video courtesy of the Canadian Journalism Foundation.
BECAUSE JOURNALISM MATTERS
Thoughtful, evidence-based reporting that raises awareness of catastrophic risks associated with AI
This annual award, created in partnership with the Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF), recognizes exceptional journalism that critically examines the safety implications of artificial intelligence (AI). While AI offers tremendous potential for positive change, responsible development and implementation requires careful attention to safety considerations. Watch Professor Geoffrey Hinton, Nobel laureate, speak to the importance of this new award.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
Inaugural award now presented
The first CJF Hinton Award for Excellence in AI Safety Reporting was presented at the annual CJF Awards ceremony on June 10, 2026, at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.
Submissions for the 2027 award will open later this year.
(THE CANADIAN PRESS)
THE PRIZE
Eligibility
Reporting that raises awareness of catastrophic risks associated with AI, fosters public understanding, and encourages dialogue on creating a safer future for humanity. Open to Canadian journalists or teams whose work is published on a national media platform.
AWARD DETAILS
Why excellence in journalism matters
The CJF Hinton Award for Excellence in AI Safety Reporting seeks to highlight journalism that not only identifies challenges but also explores innovative solutions and pathways to mitigate risks – advancing public conversation on how AI technologies can be developed and applied responsibly. The Award is named for Professor Geoffrey Hinton, Nobel laureate, one of the pioneers of modern artificial deep learning, who is one of its most prominent critics and cautionary voices.
MEDIA FORMATS ACCEPTED
- • Long-form Investigative Reporting or Series
- • Digital Media / Multimedia Storytelling
- • Podcast / Audio Reporting (e.g., Radio Features)
- • Documentary (Audio or Video)
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Submissions will be evaluated on accomplishing the following:
- 01Provides nuanced, evidence-based reporting on AI safety challenges
- 02Explores ethical dilemmas, societal risks, and the potential catastrophic risks of AI technologies
- 03Investigates and highlights solutions that aim to mitigate risks and enhance AI safety
- 04Highlights the necessary safeguards of AI to ensure a secure and safe future
- 05Demonstrates scientific accuracy and upholds journalistic integrity
- 06Promotes public understanding of complex AI safety issues
THE JURY
Winners are selected by an independent jury of journalists, governance experts, and industry leaders
2025 JURY
- • Nikita Roy (Chair), Data Scientist, Journalist, and Harvard-recognized AI Futurist; Founder, Newsroom Robots Labs
- • Cillian Crosson, Executive Director, The Tarbell Centre for AI Journalism
- • Will Henshall, Program Officer, AI Governance & Policy, Coefficient Giving
- • Matthew Lee, Chief Strategy/Development Officer, Poseidon Research
- • Duncan Cass-Beggs, Executive Director, Global AI Risks Initiative, Centre for International Governance Innovation
- • Takara Small, Award-winning Business and Technology Journalist
This initiative is generously supported by Richard Wernham and Julia West.
OUR MISSION
Support us
The AI Safety Foundation (AISF) is a registered charity based in Canada. We are supported by generous individuals, corporations and partners. If you believe, like we do, that education and research initiatives exploring AI risks are vitally important, please consider supporting us in our mission.
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