The third cycle of applications for the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications is underway. These awards recognize outstanding research scientists, journalists, and science communicators who have produced innovative, creative work to inform the public about issues and developments in science, engineering, or medicine.
About Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications
The goal of these esteemed awards is to identify and foster a diverse community of research scientists, science journalists, and science communicators. People who have produced excellent communication and shown that they have the capacity or ability to communicate across the spectrum of science, engineering, or medicine are urged to submit. In order to help society meet the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by complex issues like climate change, future pandemics, human genome editing, and artificial intelligence, this third cohort of winners will receive support as they continue to effectively demystify complex science, engineering, and health-related issues.
Categories
Science Journalist
- Local/Regional Journalist
- Developed content for media organizations that:
- Focused on local/regional issues.
- Reported the effects of wider issues on a locality or region.
- Or were regionally-focused subsections of outlets that were broader in reach.
- Freelance Journalist
- Developed content for media organizations and was self-employed.
- Early-Career Journalist
- Was under 30 years of age or had less than 5 years of professional experience developing content for media organizations.
Science Communicator
- Was not employed full-time by a third-party organization or institution to do this work.
- Organizational Communicator
- Was employed by an organization or institution.
- Addressed issues or advances in science, engineering, or medical fields and did not identify as a science journalist or practicing research scientist.
- Independent Communicator
Research Scientist
- Was a practicing researcher in science, engineering, or medical fields and was 0-5 years post-Master’s or PhD.
- Later-Career Researcher
- Was a practicing researcher in science, engineering, or medical fields and was 6+ years post-Master’s or PhD.
- Graduate Student Researcher
- Was a Master’s or PhD candidate practicing research in science, engineering, or medical fields.
- Early-Career Researcher
Benefits of Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications
- The program will give out 24 awards worth $640,000 in total.
- A total of 24 Awards are expected, consisting of 8 top prizes (one for each subcategory) at $40,000 apiece and 16 supplementary prizes (two for each subcategory) for $20,000.
- There are recurring financial rewards associated with the Awards for Excellence in Science Communications. In addition to awarding the prize, Schmidt Sciences will collaborate with esteemed journalism institutes to offer continuing education and chances for professional growth, thus fostering the dynamic and growing community of science communications recipients.
Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications Requirments
- Open to anyone who in 2023 were conducting research, creating content, or working at the forefront of science journalism or science communication.
- Can clearly state what inspires you to produce work(s) that advance public interest in, appreciation for, or comprehension of science, engineering, or medicine, as well as their social implications.
- Possess a strong interest in journalism or scientific communication, and you can tell them about your journey thus far and your future goals.
- Possess at least one excellent example of journalism or science communication that highlights your capacity to convey the problems, appeals, advantages for society, intricacies, flaws, or disputes related to science, engineering, or medicine.
- Able to make a strong argument for why you should receive this prize.
Your Work
When submitting an application, you will be required to submit a minimum of one and a maximum of three exceptional examples that distinctly support the subcategory to which you are applying.
- Convey concepts related to science, engineering, or medicine to non-technical audiences.
- Exhibit accuracy, originality, inventiveness, and clarity.
- Discuss problems or developments in engineering, science, or health.
- Discuss subjects that affect society.
- Are communicated in a manner that the general public can comprehend.
- Have been released or published in 2023 at any point.
Application Date and Process
To apply, entries must be sent via the online submission form in the category that most closely matches the submitter’s background. They encourage applications and works that have been translated into English. Each person may only submit one application to the program. There’s no charge for submitting.
Application Deadline
31 March, 2024
Scholarship Application Portal
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Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications
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