Science Outreach Award
This award is intended to recognize efforts of an individual or a group toward increased public awareness of, and/or education about, environmental, biological or zoological topics through science communication and/or outreach efforts broadly conceived. Science advocacy is also recognized independently and need not be an additional requirement. This may include but is not limited to in-person events and activities, policy advocacy, or example(s) of science communication via online forums including social media and/or legacy media outlets. Up to TWO awards may be given annually.
Terms of Reference
Objectives
This award is intended to recognize efforts toward increased public awareness of, and/or education about, environmental, biological or zoological topics through science communication and/or outreach efforts broadly conceived. Science advocacy is also recognized independently and need not be an additional requirement. This may include but is not limited to in-person events, online forums including social media outlets, and legacy media outlets. Science advocacy may also be considered within the fields of the society.
Award(s)
The award comprises a $300 cash prize and a scroll. If the recipient is not already a member of the Canadian Society of Zoologists, a 1-year free membership will be awarded by the Society.
Source of Prize
Funded through ZET.
Frequency of Availability
Maximum of two per year. The award need not be made every year.
Application/Nomination Procedures
Nominations or applications should be made to the Chair of the Recognition Committee (the Past-President). Nominations may be made by any CSZ member, and self-nomination/direct application is permitted. The application/nomination should include a rationale for the application/nomination that includes information about the event/dissemination venue, target audience, content and context. If there are multiple team members, all of them should be included in the nomination.
Candidate packages for evaluation should clearly explain how the applicant meets one or more of the following:
The communication or activity must be to or with a general audience. Communications in venues targeted primarily at a scientific audience (e.g. ‘inside JEB’ and News & Views’ or ‘Commentary’ articles in journals) as well as press releases are not encouraged.
The quality and significance of the individual’s or team of individuals’ contributions to dissemination and/or advocacy of science.
The reach of the activities in terms of the size and diversity of the audience and the likelihood of reaching an audience that might not otherwise be exposed to Zoology.
The impact of the activities on the target audience.
Future outcomes of the educational activities beyond the immediate.
The committee will favour a sustained body of work over a single achievement.
Application Deadline
June 1