Second prize went to Hungarian journalist Balázs Rádi of Index.hu, while Austrian science journalist Tanja Traxler received third place.
The Siemens Media Award recognizes exceptional work by media professionals across Central and Eastern Europe who report on the role and value of technology in industry and everyday life.
The winner of the 2026 award was honored at a ceremony in Budapest, following a visit to the Törley Exhibition and Visitors’ Centre, one of Hungary’s historic sparkling wine cellars.
An expert jury selected Kalafatic as this year’s winner for a podcast episode published by Lider. Siemens said the episode offers theoretical and practical reflections on technological progress and examines how rapid digital transformation, algorithms and information overload increasingly shape people’s understanding of the world.
Rádi received second prize for his report on Hungary’s first robot-assisted spinal surgery. The report offered a behind-the-scenes look at how advanced surgical robotics are reshaping modern health care and explored the human, technological and medical dimensions of innovation in critical care.
Third place was awarded to Traxler for her article “Is the Q-Day Coming Soon?” published in Austrian news magazine Der Standard. The article examined Austria’s role in quantum internet technologies and the future implications of quantum cryptography for cybersecurity and digital communication.
Held under the motto “Technology with Purpose,” the Siemens Media Award brought together journalists and content creators from nine countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia and Slovenia.
The winner receives a trip for two to the Salzburg Festival, the world’s largest classical music festival.
“The Siemens Media Award was established to recognize journalists and media professionals who bring the world of technology closer to wider audiences through their work. This year’s submissions reaffirmed how technological innovations shape our everyday lives and contribute to a more efficient, sustainable, and better future. It was a great honor to welcome entries from media representatives, and we extend our gratitude for their contributions. The Siemens Media Award is planned to continue next year,” said Katharina Swoboda, head of communications and government affairs at lead country Siemens Austria.
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