How to nominate

Nominations

Nominations may be made by any person, other than the nominee. The Royal Society Te Apārangi's Academy Executive Committee reserves the right to decline any nomination.

Application

• An online Nomination must be completed.Please email the  Academy (academy@royalsociety.org.nz) if you wish to submit a new nomination and you will be provided with a URL to access the web portal.
• The on-line nomination form includes one set of the following:

• • One sentence citation of not more than 25 words, describing the achievement, which may be used for publicity purposes;
  • Nomination summary of not more than 100 words, that clearly explains their contributions to science communication to a non-specialist;
  • Nomination statement of no more than 500 words highlighting contributions to science communication;
  • Supporting uploaded documents:
    • Short curriculum vitae of nominee (template provided);
      • Publications should include the names of all authors (Initials and Surname) and the full title of the journal in which a paper is published. Abbreviations should not be used.
    • Collated key evidence (e.g. key publications or other evidence of contributions to science communication);
    • Two letters of reference (to be arranged by the nominator), at least one from outside the nominee’s institution. Please note that referees should be independent from the nominee.

Guidelines

• For an outstanding contribution to communicating science, technology or both, and raising public awareness of its value.
• Please also review general criteria that apply to all Royal Society Te Apārangi medals and awards.
• “Working within New Zealand” includes all those who were employed in New Zealand for more than 50% of the time during which they performed the work that is being considered in making the award; and/or all those who were resident in New Zealand during that time.

Assessment

Applications will be assessed by a panel from the Academy of the Royal Society Te Apārangi. Applicants will will be assessed by:

• Excellence and craft of science communication. Is the communication itself of outstanding quality — accurate, engaging, accessible, and appropriate for its audiences?
• Public reach and demonstrable impact. Has the work reached significant public audiences and is there credible evidence it has made a difference to public understanding or appreciation of science?
• Advancing the case for science and technology. Does the work specifically raise awareness of why science and technology matter — their value to society, to Aotearoa NZ, or to human wellbeing — not just what they are?
• Sustained commitment and body of work. Is this a genuine, ongoing contribution to science communication, or a single achievement?