UNESCO Kalinga Prize for the Popularization of Science

Overview

The UNESCO Kalinga Prize for the Popularization of Science is an international distinction created by UNESCO in 1951 following a donation from Mr Bijoyanand Patnaik, Founder and President of the Kalinga Foundation Trust in India.

The purpose of the Prize is to reward the efforts of a person who has had a distinguished career as a writer, editor, lecturer, radio/television programme director or film producer, which has enabled him/her to help interpret science, research and technology to the public. He/she 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 the solutions to the problems of humanity. The objective of the Prize is in conformity with UNESCO’s policies and is related to the Programme on the popularization of science. Many past Prize winners have been scientists in their own right, while others have been trained in journalism or have been educators or writers.

Candidates shall have made a significant contribution to the popularization of science. The Prize may be conferred only upon individuals. A work that has been produced by two or three persons shall not be considered.

The laureate will also be offered the Kalinga Chair established by the Government of India (Department of Science and Technology) which comprises a certificate and cash award of US$ 5,000. He/she will be invited to travel to India (travel and lodgings will be funded by the Government of India), for a two to four week period to interact with scientists and science communicators. He/she will be provided with appropriate facilities to familiarize him/herself with Indian life and culture, Indian research and educational institutions, and the development of India’s industry and economy. He/she 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 recipient 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. Thus, he/she should preferably be proficient in English.

Who may apply?

Writers, editors, lecturers, radio/television programme directors or film producers who have devoted their career to interpreting science, research and technology for the general public.
The applicant does not need to have a science degree.
This prize does not reward research.
This prize does not reward formal teaching (in a school/university), nor curriculum development for the formal learning sector.
Candidates are submitted by the government through the country’s National Commission for UNESCO.
Each National Commission for UNESCO shall propose a candidate on the basis of recommendations from: national associations for the advancement of science or other science associations, and/or national associations of science writers or scientific journalists.
Each Member State may propose a single candidature consisting of one individual only.
Candidatures sent directly to UNESCO by individuals will not be accepted.

How to apply

Do not apply directly to UNESCO; contact your country's National Commission for UNESCO to express your interest in being your country’s candidate for this prize.

If you belong to a national association for the advancement of science or any other science association, including science writers or scientific journalists, inform them of your interest in applying for this prize.

The prize is awarded biennially. The closing date for the submission of applications is15 June 2011. Candidatures should be sent to UNESCO, Division for Science Policy and Sustainable Development, Natural Sciences Sector, UNESCO, 1, rue Miollis, 75732 Paris Cedex 15, France.

Checklist

Each nomination shall be accompanied by a written recommendation, which shall include five copies of the following documents, in English or French:

Description of the candidate’s background;
Completed submission form;
Summary of the work or the results of the work on the popularization of science, including publications and other supporting materials, to be submitted for consideration; and
Description of how the candidate’s submitted work has contributed to the popularization of science.

Please note that if an official translation of your work into English and/or French does not exist, it is recommended to supply a detailed explanation in English or French of the content or a partial translation.

Source: http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/science-technology/sti-policy/global-focus/science-popularization/science-popularization/

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