Deadline: 30-Jul-23
UNESCO is inviting applicants for the Kalinga Prize for the Popularization of Science, an international award to reward exceptional contributions made by individuals in communicating science to society and promoting the popularization of science.
It is awarded to persons who have had a distinguished career as writer, editor, lecturer, radio, television, or web programme director, or film producer in helping interpret science, research and technology to the public. UNESCO Kalinga Prize winners know the potential power of science, technology, and research in improving public welfare, enriching the cultural heritage of nations and providing solutions to societal problems on the local, regional and global level.
By bridging the gap between science and society the benefits of scientific knowledge can be used to improve daily lives, empower people and find solutions to global, regional and local challenges. In order to strengthen communication between science and society it is important that efforts made in bridging the gap do not go unnoticed. Popularizing science needs to be championed, including all activities that communicate scientific knowledge and scientific methods to the public outside the formal classroom setting and promote public understanding of the history of science.
Purpose
- The Kalinga Prize rewards the contribution of an individual, institution, non-governmental organization (NGO) or other entity that has made a significant contribution to the popularization of science or technology and has helped interpret science and technology for the public and contributed to bridging the gap between science and society. This science popularization can include all forms of media communication.
- The individual/institution/NGO is expected to be knowledgeable of the role of science, technology and general research in the improvement of the public welfare, the enrichment of the cultural heritage of nations and solutions to the current global challenges.
Benefits
- The award consists of a cheque for the amount of the prize US$40,000, an award certificate, and the UNESCO-Albert Einstein silver medal. The laureate will also receive the Kalinga Chair as established by the Government of India (Department of Science and Technology) which comprises a certificate and cash award of US$5,000.
- The laureate will be invited to travel to India (travel and accommodation will be provided by the Government of India), for a two to four-week tour to interact with scientists and science communicators.
- The Prize-winner will be provided with appropriate facilities to familiarize herself/himself with Indian life and culture, Indian research and educational institutions, and the development of India’s industry and economy. The laureate will also be invited to visit Indian universities, and attend meetings within India’s scientific societies, particularly those of the Indian Science Congress Association.
- While in India, the Prize-winner will be asked to deliver lectures in English, and to take part in meetings in order to present recent progress in science and technology as well as the social, cultural and educational impacts of modern science.
- If a work being rewarded has been produced by two or three persons, the monetary prize shall be shared equally between them. The prize may not be shared by more than three persons.
- The winner will be selected by the Director-General of UNESCO upon the recommendation of an international jury. The jury will present the results of their deliberations to the UNESCO Director-General in September 2023 and issue their recommendation for the winner/s.
- The prize-winner/s, will be invited to give a lecture on a subject relevant to the work for which the prize has been awarded, during or in connection with the Prize ceremony.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates shall have made a significant contribution to the popularization of science. The Prize may be conferred upon individuals, institutions, other entities or non-governmental organizations;
- The applicants does not need to have a science degree;
- This prize does not reward research;
- This prize does not reward formal teaching (at school/university), nor curriculum development for the formal learning sector;
- If a work being rewarded has been produced by two or three persons, the prize shall be awarded to them jointly. The prize may not be shared by more than three persons.
For more information, visit UNESCO.
