Madhumita Murgia

Murgia makes complex AI issues accessible through very human stories – as her investigation into the use of predictive algorithms to determine who receives organ transplants exemplifies. Combining expert analysis with compassion and sensitivity, she delves into the life of cystic fibrosis sufferer Sarah Meredith, who is being denied a liver transplant because the decision-making algorithm seems to discriminate against younger patients.

In a feature about AI-powered relationship coaching, told through a fascinating interview with ex-Tinder CEO Renate Nyborg, Murgia uncovers the growing backlash against technological solutions for social connection, which arguably add a dystopian layer to our already unhealthy relationship with technology. And in a ‘Lunch with the FT’ interview with Helen Toner, a rebel ex-board member of Open AI, her careful coaxing brought to life the dispute at the top of the ChatGPT maker that led to chief executive Sam Altman’s brief ousting.

And in a masterful scoop, alongside colleague Richard Waters, she revealed that Google was considering charging for AI features in its search engine, the biggest change in the company’s business model since it was founded.

The judges praised Murgia’s “sharp news copy and hugely compelling features writing, with a broad reach across business, health and human interest”.