Online Reporter
Sunday News Correspondent
VERSATILE Zimbabwean-born journalist Mkhululi Chimoio has emerged as one of only two winners of the International Quantum Year science journalism competition held across the globe.
The competition was organised by Physics World and Physics Magazine with the aim of recognising excellence in science journalism focused on quantum science and technology. The competition was launched during the 2025 World Conference of Science Journalists (WCSJ) held in Pretoria, South Africa. The event marked a historic milestone as it was the first time the World Conference of Science Journalists was held on the African continent.
The competition was open to science journalists across the globe who attended the 2025 WCSJ conference. During the conference, participants were encouraged to submit their ideas on any aspect of quantum science and technology. Only two winners were selected from the entries received from science journalists across the globe.
Chimoio’s winning entry is an article covering the work of the South African physicist Lindiwe Khumalo, who carries out experiments on quantum sensors in a former gold mine 3 km underground.
The research conducted by Khumalo utilises the natural shielding of 3 km of solid rock to perform very sensitive quantum research with quantum sensors such as muons and ultra-low-noise interferometry. Her research contributes significantly to the latest research on dark matter, neutrinos, and metrology, all of which are key aspects of quantum science.
In his reaction to the news of his win, Chimoio noted that the award was a testament to the significance of inclusive and accessible science communication.
“I am deeply honored to have been selected as one of the winners of the International Quantum Year science journalism competition,” he said.
“This recognition highlights the importance of making complex scientific ideas accessible and understandable, particularly at a time when science and technology increasingly define our societies.”
He further noted that the award was significant to him as an African journalist.
“To have won the award as a journalist from Africa is particularly significant to me. This recognition underlines the point that the global conversation about science, such as the science of quantum mechanics itself, must include voices from the Global South.
“In the same way that science journalism has a role to play in the production of cutting-edge science, it has a role to ensure that such science is not just produced but understood, questioned, and owned by societies everywhere,” added Chimoio.
The award is significant to him as it motivated him to continue his work as a science journalist focused on the interests of the public.
“To me, quantum science might seem abstract and remote, but its consequences are very real. This award gives me the strength to continue reporting science stories that are grounded in the realities of our day-to-day lives and that seek to demystify science and show us why it matters.”
Mr. Chimoio is a journalist with a focus on geopolitics, technology, security, and socio-economic issues.
His articles have been published in various media outlets such as Nature Africa, the United Nations Africa Renewal magazine, Defence Web, Africa Uncensored, among others.
Mr. Chimoio has been appointed as the Special Communications Advisor to the Prime Minister of the State of the African Diaspora.
He was also recently elected to head the Communications Unit of the Southern Africa Freelancers’ Association (SAFREA), which supports freelance professionals in the media, communications, and creative industries across Southern Africa, providing resources, training, networking, and advocacy.
The announcement of the winners of the International Quantum Year comes at a time when there is increased global interest in science journalism in Africa, following the successful hosting of WCSJ 2025 in Pretoria.
Established in 1992 in Tokyo, the World Conference of Science Journalists is the world’s largest gathering of science journalists and communicators. It meets every two years to discuss issues like misinformation, artificial intelligence, climate change, and social justice in science journalism.
The award for Chimoio is an honor and a duty.
“I see this award not as an endpoint, but as encouragement to keep asking difficult questions about science, power, and society, and to keep telling stories that connect research to the lives of ordinary people.”
