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The AAAS Mani L. Bhaumik Award for Public Engagement with Science was established in 1987 to recognize scientists and engineers who demonstrate excellence in their contribution to public engagement with science. There is a cash prize.

The AAAS Mani L. Bhaumik Award for Public Engagement with Science, formerly the AAAS Award for Public Understanding of Science and Technology, was established in 1987 to recognize scientists and engineers who demonstrate excellence in their contribution to public engagement with science.

Beginning with the 2019 award year, the award is endowed by and named for quantum physicist Mani L. Bhaumik. Bhaumik is internationally known for the advances he made to excimer laser technology, which eventually led to Lasik eye surgery. He hopes to elevate the recognition of working scientists for their exceptional efforts to communicate science in ways that inform and engage the public.

Under the auspices of this new endowment, the award has an increased and renewed focus on public engagement. Public engagement activities emphasize dialogue with various publics and often result from a public interaction or request or need. Specifically, these activities are defined as the individual’s active participation in efforts to engage with the public on science- and technology-related issues and promote meaningful exchanges between science and society.

The recipient receives a monetary prize of $5,000 (US), a commemorative plaque, and recognition at the AAAS Annual Meeting.

You can nominate yourself or others. Nominee must be an individual scientist, mathematician, or engineer. Groups or institutions will not be considered for this award. Eligible nominees include active or retired scientists and engineers from all disciplines (including social sciences, mathematics, engineering, and medicine) who have contributed substantially to the public's engagement with science or technology. They may be based in academia, government or industry. Public engagement activities must be above and beyond job responsibilities.

Note the AAAS also offer a public engagement award by early career researchers.

Deadline for applications is 30 June 11:59am (ET)

Click here for full details and to nominate