The New York Times and Brown Institute for Media Innovation, 2026
Author(s): Staff
Reporting from The New York Times and Brown Institute for Media Innovation shows that the U.S. organ transplant system, once a crown jewel of American medicine, has been warped by favoritism and money, putting patients at risk. Hospitals cut into potential donors while they are still alive, ignore waiting lists and cater to wealthy international patients. The investigation prompted direct and wide-ranging reforms.
Ursula and Dr. Gilbert Farfel created an endowed scholarship at Ohio University, Ursula’s alma mater, to support establishment of this award. Presented in cooperation with the Scripps College of Communication at Ohio University, the prize honors excellence in investigative reporting.