Eugene Parker’s discovery of solar wind made him a legend in the field of astrophysics, but his research wasn’t widely known outside of academia. Then NASA made him the first living person to have a space mission named in their honor. The decision presented a distinct opportunity and challenge for the University of Chicago's Office of Communications. Our mission: Put Eugene Parker and UChicago at the center of the story, telling a personal narrative that would build up—and not be drowned out by—a NASA mission to touch the sun.
From the Judges
The judges were extremely impressed by this entry, which made a nonagenarian the focus of widespread media coverage, especially since this coverage could easily have been drowned out by other partners involved in the story. We felt it was an excellent example of media planning and clearly met objectives and values of the institution. Judges liked the consistent approach to media coverage which fed news headlines for several months and we were delighted Eugene Parker finally got the recognition he deserved!
