The ESA Science Communication Award honors impactful and innovative communication projects or programs that engage diverse public audiences with entomology-related scientific information. Winners are chosen for their creativity, effectiveness, and reach in fostering public appreciation and understanding of the insect world. By raising public awareness of entomology, these award-winning projects and programs can help to promote conservation efforts and inspire future generations of scientists.
Apply for the ESA Science Communication Award
For questions about this award, email awards@entsoc.org.
Deadline
Award applications must be received by ESA headquarters by June 1.
Honor Bestowed
The science communications project or program chosen as the winner of the ESA Science Communication Award (and the individual or team responsible) will be honored with an inscribed plaque and a $500 cash prize and will be recognized at the ESA Annual Meeting.
A runner-up will also be chosen, honored with an inscribed plaque and a $250 cash prize, and recognized at the ESA Annual Meeting.
Eligibility
The submitted project or program must engage public audiences with entomology-related scientific information (and have done so within the last three years). At least one individual on an award submission must be an active ESA member at the time of entry.
ESA welcomes and encourages submissions from individuals, teams, or organizations from all backgrounds, professional disciplines, and education and career stages.
Examples of science communication projects or programs may include, but are not limited to: articles, websites, books, pamphlets, videos, social media, podcasts, email, education programs or curricula, extension programs, media and public relations, museum exhibitions, events, or any combination thereof—as long as they are related to entomology.
Application Requirements
Application packages for this award must include:
Background Summary for Entrant(s): up to one (1) page written, providing:
- brief description of entrants’ science communication experience as related to nominated program
- contact info
- name, title, organization of entrants
Project/Program Description: up to two (2) pages (total) written description, addressing the following criteria:
Criteria | Description |
Science communication philosophy | What were the guiding principles behind the conception, development, and delivery of the program? |
Development and educational strategy | How was the project planned, what goals were set, what role did collaborators or partner organizations play, and what educational methods were used? |
Implementation | How was the project executed, how did organizers make effective use of resources, and what challenges were overcome? |
Approach to equity and accessibility | How did the project reach and/or work with diverse or underserved audiences and ensure equitable delivery? |
Impact | What changes in learning, adoption, and/or behavior resulted in the project's target audience(s), and what evidence or metrics can you provide to support these results? |
Innovation and creativity | How did the project use new methods of communications delivery, apply existing methods in a new context, or otherwise address the scientific subject in creative ways? |
Letters of Support: up to two (2) letters (1 page each) from members of the target community or audience
Project/Program Samples: digital/electronic samples of project/program content; formats may include:
- Documents (PDF, Word, etc.)
- Images (photos, screenshots, etc.)
- URL links to content where it currently appears online
All nominators and nominees will also be required to sign the professional conduct disclosure form.
Judging Criteria and Notification
Judging: Members of the ESA Committee on Science Communication will serve as the judging panel.
Entries will be judged using the following criteria for a total of 100 points:
- science communication philosophy (15)
- development and strategy (15)
- implementation (10)
- approach to equity and accessibility (20)
- impact (20)
- innovation and creativity (20)
Notification: The awards administrator will notify all entrants with the results of their award application approximately two months after the nomination submission deadline.
Electronic Submission Requirements
Application packages must be submitted online via the ESA Science Communication Award application site.
All submissions are due by 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time, June 1, 2022.
You may save applications and come back to them prior to the deadline; however once you have submitted your application, you will not be able to edit it. If you need to make changes after you have submitted, contact awards@entsoc.org.