UK award to honour scientists who communicate with the public

Brussels, 06 Sep 2004

The UK's national academy of science, the Royal Society, has launched an award to recognise scientists who engage with the public.

The Kohn Award aims to encourage younger scientists and science communicators to adopt good practice in connecting with the general public. The winner will receive 2,500 GBP (3,686 euro) in prize money, 7,500 GBP (11.058 euro) in the form of a grant for science communication activities, and a silver gilt medal.

'It's vital that we encourage young scientists to engage meaningfully with audiences outside the scientific community,' said the Earl of Selborne, chair of the Royal Society's science in society committee. 'The public have a key role to play in realising the potential of technological advances. Genuine dialogue must allow citizens from outside the world of science to have their views listened to and taken into account. It must also permit scientists to fully represent both the potential benefits and concerns around the use of new knowledge.'

Public dialogue activities can relate to any scientific or technological discipline, and will be assessed according to the quality of the engagement activities and their current or perceived future impact.

CORDIS RTD-NEWS / © European Communities
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