[American Association for the Advancement of Science](https://www.aaas.org)

April 15, 2026 (Nominations open) | June 30, 2026 (Nomination deadline)

$10,000 cash prize; one recipient per year; includes commemorative plaque and recognition at AAAS Annual Meeting.

Recognizes scientists and engineers for outstanding public engagement with science through impactful and innovative communication and dialogue.

--- ## Description The Mani L. Bhaumik Award for Public Engagement with Science, administered by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), honors scientists and engineers who demonstrate excellence in public engagement activities. The award highlights individuals who actively foster meaningful exchanges between science and society, going above and beyond their job responsibilities to communicate science in accessible and engaging ways. Established in 1987 and endowed in 2019 by quantum physicist Mani L. Bhaumik, the award emphasizes dialogue, innovative communication, and the societal impact of science outreach. --- ## Due Dates - April 15, 2026: Nominations open (start of nomination period) - June 30, 2026: Nomination deadline / final submission deadline (by 11:59 PM ET) --- ## Funding Amount - The award consists of a $10,000 cash prize. - The recipient also receives a commemorative plaque and recognition at the AAAS Annual Meeting. - Only one recipient is selected each year. --- ## Eligibility - Nominee must be an individual scientist, mathematician, or engineer (active or retired) from any discipline, including social sciences, mathematics, engineering, and medicine. - Nominees must have contributed substantially to public engagement with science or technology, with activities above and beyond their job responsibilities. - Self-nominations are permitted. - Nominations may be submitted by individuals, universities, government agencies, media, research organizations, and AAAS affiliate organizations. - Editors from publishing houses may only offer one nomination. - Prior nominees may be re-nominated; previous nomination does not disqualify. - Groups or institutions are not eligible. - AAAS employees are ineligible. - Early-career scientists (within seven years of terminal degree) should consider the [AAAS Early Career Award for Public Engagement with Science](https://www.aaas.org/page/aaas-early-career-award-public-engagement-science). --- ## Application Process - All nominations must be submitted electronically via the [nomination portal](https://bhaumik.secure-platform.com/a). - Required materials (all in English): - Nominee’s and nominator’s (if not self-nomination) contact information. - Brief citation (25–30 words) describing the nominee’s accomplishment(s). - Nomination rationale (max 3 pages) detailing public engagement activities, goals, audiences, impact, evaluation, and influence on scientific work. - Curriculum vitae (max 5 pages), with a section highlighting public engagement activities distinct from job requirements. - At least two (up to five) representative samples or documentation illustrating public engagement contributions (letters of support count toward this limit and are optional). - Relevant social media accounts (if applicable). - All materials become the property of AAAS. - Nominations and supporting materials will not be accepted by email or post. --- ## Additional Information - The award is presented at the AAAS Annual Meeting. - Recipients may be invited to participate in AAAS public engagement activities. - The selection committee evaluates nominees on active participation, strategic approach, audience reach, innovation, impact, and excellence in their field. - AAAS encourages nominations from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and geographies. - All award winners must adhere to high standards of professional ethics and scientific integrity. --- ## External Links - [Award Information & Guidelines](https://www.aaas.org/awards/public-engagement-science/about) - [Nomination Portal](https://bhaumik.secure-platform.com/a) - [Past Recipients](https://www.aaas.org/awards/public-engagement-science/recipients) - [AAAS Awards Overview](https://www.aaas.org/aaas-awards) - [AAAS Communication Toolkit](https://www.aaas.org/page/communicating-engage) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [awards@aaas.org](mailto:awards@aaas.org?subject=Mani%20L.%20Bhaumik%20Award%20for%20Public%20Engagement) | | Phone | 202-326-6400 | | AAAS Contact Page | [Contact AAAS](https://www.aaas.org/contact-aaas) | ---

Mani L. Bhaumik Award for Public Engagement with Science

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