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

June 30, 2026 (Nomination deadline)

$10,000 cash prize, commemorative plaque, and recognition at the AAAS Annual Meeting; one recipient annually.

Honors scientists and engineers for outstanding, sustained contributions to public engagement with science beyond job duties.

--- ## Description This award recognizes individual scientists and engineers who have demonstrated excellence in engaging the public with science, with a special emphasis on interactive dialogue and meaningful exchanges between science and society. Established in 1987 and endowed in 2019 by Mani L. Bhaumik, the award celebrates those whose public engagement activities go above and beyond their professional responsibilities, including informal science education, public communication via various media, and innovative outreach. The recipient receives $10,000, a commemorative plaque, and is honored at the AAAS Annual Meeting. --- ## Due Dates - June 30, 2026: Nomination deadline (submissions due by 11:59 PM ET) --- ## Funding Amount - $10,000 cash prize - Commemorative plaque - Recognition at the AAAS Annual Meeting - One recipient selected annually --- ## Eligibility - Nominees must be individual scientists, mathematicians, or engineers (active or retired) from any discipline, including social sciences, mathematics, engineering, and medicine. - Public engagement activities must be above and beyond job responsibilities. - Nominations may be submitted by individuals, universities, government agencies, media, research organizations, and AAAS affiliates; self-nominations are allowed. - Editors from publishing houses may nominate only one candidate. - Groups or institutions are not eligible. - AAAS employees are not eligible. - Prior nominees may be re-nominated in subsequent years. - Early career scientists (within 7 years of terminal degree) should consider the [AAAS Early Career Award for Public Engagement with Science](http://www.aaas.org/page/aaas-early-career-award-public-engagement-science). --- ## Application Process - All nominations and supporting materials must be submitted electronically via the [nomination portal](https://bhaumik.secure-platform.com/a). - Required materials: - Nominee and nominator contact details - A brief citation (25–30 words) summarizing the accomplishment(s) - A nomination rationale (up to 3 pages) describing public engagement activities, impact, goals, audiences, and evaluation - Curriculum vitae (max 5 pages; must highlight public engagement distinct from job duties) - At least two (up to five) representative samples/documentation of public engagement activities (letters of support are optional and count toward this total) - Relevant social media accounts (if applicable) - All materials must be in English. - Nominations by email or post are not accepted. --- ## Additional Information - The selection committee includes distinguished scientists, engineers, and public engagement practitioners. - Criteria emphasize active participation, thoughtful and innovative approaches, audience reach, message effectiveness, and overall impact. - Recipients may be asked to participate in AAAS public engagement activities. - AAAS encourages nominations from diverse backgrounds and geographies. - All award winners must adhere to high standards of professional ethics and scientific integrity. --- ## External Links - [Award Overview and Details](https://www.aaas.org/awards/public-engagement-science/about) - [Nomination Portal](https://bhaumik.secure-platform.com/a) - [Eligibility and Nomination Guidelines](https://bhaumik.secure-platform.com/a/page/Eligibility) - [Past Recipients](https://www.aaas.org/awards/public-engagement-science/recipients) - [AAAS Awards](https://www.aaas.org/aaas-awards) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Details | |---------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------| | General Award Inquiries | [awards@aaas.org](mailto:awards@aaas.org?subject=Mani%20L.%20Bhaumik%20Award%20for%20Public%20Engagement) | | AAAS General Contact | [Contact Page](https://www.aaas.org/contact-aaas) | | Phone | 202-326-6400 |

Mani L. Bhaumik Award for Public Engagement with Science

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