MIT's Knight Science Journalism Program's esteemed founder, Victor McElheny, passes away at age 89
**Prominent Science Journalist Victor K. McElheny Passes Away at 89**
Victor K. McElheny, a renowned science journalist with a seven-decade career, has passed away at the age of 89 in Lexington, Massachusetts. McElheny, born in Boston and raised in Poughkeepsie, New York, made significant contributions to some of the nation's most prominent newspapers and magazines, including *The Charlotte Observer*, *Science*, and *The New York Times*.
McElheny was best known for his work as the founder and director of the Knight Science Journalism Program (KSJP) at MIT for 15 years, a position he held from 1983. The program, which he established, has since supported over 400 leading science journalists from around the world.
Throughout his career, McElheny covered a broad spectrum of scientific topics, from the Apollo moon landing to the sequencing of the human genome. He was especially known for his biographies of scientific figures such as Edwin Land and James Watson.
Under McElheny's leadership, the Knight Science Journalism Program became a pillar for the professional development of science journalists, helping to elevate the standards and impact of science journalism globally. He is remembered as a steadfast champion of the profession, advocating for the importance of science journalism in society and nurturing generations of journalists who would go on to produce influential, award-winning work.
McElheny's legacy is further cemented through initiatives and awards named in his honor. For example, the MIT Knight Science Journalism Program presents the Victor K. McElheny Award, which recognizes outstanding local and regional journalism that illuminates science, public health, technology, or environmental issues.
In 2018, McElheny, along with his wife Ruth, established the Victor K. McElheny Award for local and regional science journalism. McElheny also secured a multimillion-dollar grant from the Knight Foundation in 1987, creating an endowment that continues to support the fellowship to this day.
The Knight Science Journalism Program, founded by McElheny, has helped launch a science journalism fellowship program at MIT in 1983, funded with support from the Alfred P. Sloan and Andrew W. Mellon foundations.
Alumni of the Knight Science Journalism Program describe McElheny's passing as a huge loss for the entire field of science journalism. They remember him as a visionary who generously shared his remarkable knowledge of the history of the field and his inspiring vision of the possibilities for the future.
McElheny is survived by his brothers Kenneth McElheny and Steven McElheny, sister Robin McElheny, and several nephews and nieces. The family invites memorial gifts to the Victor K. McElheny Award Fund.
McElheny mused in a 2019 profile that there's always more for science journalists to do, given the increasing level of understanding in various scientific fields. His influence continues to be felt in the world of science journalism, as he leaves behind a legacy of advocacy, leadership, and mentorship.
- McElheny, a figure deeply rooted in society, dedicated seven decades of his life to advancing the field of science journalism.
- His work graced the pages of esteemed newspapers and magazines such as The Charlotte Observer, Science, and The New York Times.
- Renowned for his biographies of scientific figures like Edwin Land and James Watson, McElheny covered a wide array of scientific topics, from the Apollo moon landing to the sequencing of the human genome.
- In a significant milestone, McElheny founded and directed the Knight Science Journalism Program (KSJP) at MIT for 15 years, a decision that would impact the lives of over 400 science journalists worldwide.
- Through his program, he fostered personal growth, education and self-development, and public understanding of science, technology, health and wellness, mental health, fitness and exercise, and genetics.
- Many journalists attribute their success to the support and guidance they received from McElheny, labeling his passing as a devastating blow to the community of science journalists.
- McElheny's impact extends beyond the KSJP, as his leadership and vision culminated in the creation of the Victor K. McElheny Award and the securing of a multimillion-dollar grant from the Knight Foundation.
- With this funding, the Science Journalism Fellowship program at MIT was launched, further propelling the profession of science journalism into the public eye.
- Alumni of the KSJP recall McElheny's passion for the field and his mentorship, while reminding us that his intellect and wisdom continue to inspire new generations of researchers and journalists.
- As a steadfast advocate for the importance of science journalism in society, McElheny's groundbreaking work has been celebrated through news coverage, reports, and stories that continue to highlight his achievements and lasting influence.
- McElheny's family encourages those who wish to honor his legacy to make contributions to the Victor K. McElheny Award Fund, keeping his efforts in science journalism alive and continuing to elevate the profession for future generations.
