April 13, 2026

OPB science reporter and producer Jes Burns and cinematographer and editor Brooke Herbert have been honored with a 2026 June L. Biedler Prize for Cancer Journalism in the Television/Radio/Podcasts category. The award, established by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) in 2015, recognizes professional journalists whose compelling stories enhance the public’s understanding of cancer, cancer research, cancer advocacy or cancer policy.

Burns and Herbert collaborated on “Researchers in Oregon are slowing down cancer by remotely cooking tumors,” a 2025 episode of “All Science. No Fiction.” that focused on how biomedical researchers in Oregon are treating endometriosis, ovarian cancer, and other health conditions by using nanoparticles and magnetic fields. Burns also received a 2026 Gracie Award® from the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) for her work on the episode, for which she assembled an all-female production crew to help bring the science—and a giant uterus—to life.

“Every year, more than 2 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer. By translating complex topics like nanotechnology in cancer research into accessible stories, Jes and Brooke help people understand the innovative research coming down the pipeline that could have real impacts on their lives,” said Jason Potts, OPB senior vice president and chief content officer.

“What makes Jes such an incredible science journalist is her bottomless creativity,” said Aaron Scott, OPB executive editor for science and environment. “She tackles serious, complex topics with a whimsical, DIY flair that makes them not only easy to understand, but impossible to forget. Who else would build a giant, papier-mâché uterus puppet to illustrate how ovarian cancer and endometriosis work? This is science explained with delight.”

Translating science into stories people can act on

Jes Burns joined OPB in 2014 as an environmental reporter, and in 2019 she became OPB’s first-ever designated science reporter. As the creator, host and producer of OPB’s award-winning “All Science. No Fiction.,” she brings curiosity and whimsy to highlight the innovations of Pacific Northwest scientists.

“It’s a joy and honor to have our work recognized nationally by AACR,” Burns said. “It’s a testament to the power of local public media like OPB to tell creative and meaningful stories that resonate with people, even outside of the Pacific Northwest.”

An Emmy-award-winning documentary filmmaker, Brooke Herbert is a cinematographer and editor for numerous OPB programs. “This was a special project to work on with Jes Burns, who is an incredibly creative person and excellent collaborator,” Herbert said. “As a person with Stage 4 endometriosis, it made the video that much more special. It was incredibly meaningful to be able to share the brilliant work these scientists are doing in this way.”

June L. Biedler, for whom this award is named, was a pioneering American cancer scientist whose work helped shape modern understanding of how cancer grows. This award is supported by a gift she left to the AACR, a global organization whose membership includes researchers, clinicians and patient advocates. Burns and Herbert will be honored at the opening ceremony of the AACR’s annual meeting on Sunday, April 19, in San Diego.