Washington, Mar 1 (IANS): Anil Ananthaswamy, a London based Indian origin writer, has won the inaugural Physics Journalism Prize sponsored by the Institute of Physics (IOP) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).

The prize is designed to inspire the next generation of physicists by encouraging journalists to grapple with often complex topics and help spread excitement about the subject, according to an IOP release forwarded by the American Astronomical Society.

Ananthaswamy, a consultant at New Scientist Magazine and author of "The Edge of Physics," has won the prize for his article "Hip Hip Array," which focuses on the Square Kilometre Array, an international project to design and build the largest radio telescope ever conceived.

"Anil Ananthaswamy is being awarded the prize for writing a feature which brings one of the world's most exciting astronomical endeavors to life -- the Square Kilometre Array," said IOP President Sir Peter Knight.

The Physics Journalism Award offers the prize of an expenses paid trip to Japan, to visit world-leading facilities carrying out research at the frontiers of physics.

On winning, Ananthaswamy commented, "Writing about physics, especially about the work being done in remote, difficult and sometimes hostile environments, is a special pleasure. Winning an award for doing what I love to do is just icing on the cake. I truly appreciate the recognition."

Mark Henderson, Head of Communications at the Wellcome Trust and former Science Editor at The Times, said, "Anil Ananthaswamy has an eye for illustrative detail of which the best travel writers would be proud."

Kirsten Bodley, Chief Executive of STEMNET, said, "The winning article on the competition for the Square Kilometre Array will be particularly inspirational to young people, offering them an opportunity to see how fascinating contemporary physics research can be."

Commenting on the winner's choice of topic, Terry O'Connor, Head of Communications at STFC, added, "The Square Kilometre Array will open new avenues of research, and delve further back into the formation of the universe."