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

June 2026 (Nomination deadline, projected)

$10,000 cash prize, commemorative plaque, and recognition at the AAAS Annual Meeting (one award annually)

Recognizes scientists and engineers for outstanding public engagement efforts that foster dialogue and connect science with society.

--- ## Description The award honors individual scientists, engineers, or mathematicians who demonstrate excellence in public engagement with science. Established in 1987 and endowed by Mani L. Bhaumik since 2019, it recognizes those who actively foster meaningful dialogue between science and society, going above and beyond their job responsibilities. Eligible public engagement activities include informal science education, public dialogue, science policy efforts, mass media communication, and innovative use of social media. The award seeks to elevate the visibility of scientists who make significant contributions to connecting scientific research with diverse public audiences. --- ## Due Dates - June 2026 (Nomination deadline, anticipated; nominations due by 11:59pm ET) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - $10,000 cash prize to the recipient - Commemorative plaque - Recognition at the AAAS Annual Meeting - Only one award is given annually --- ## Eligibility - Nominees must be individual scientists, mathematicians, or engineers (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, beyond their job responsibilities. - Groups or institutions are not eligible. - Nominees can be based in academia, government, or industry. - AAAS employees are ineligible. - Nominations may be submitted by individuals, universities, government agencies, media, research organizations, AAAS affiliates, or via self-nomination. - Prior nominees may be re-nominated in subsequent years. - Early-career scientists (within seven years of their 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 [AAAS nomination portal](https://bhaumik.secure-platform.com/a). - Required materials include: - Nominee and nominator contact information - Brief citation (25–30 words) of the nominee’s accomplishment(s) - Nomination rationale (up to 3 pages), outlining public engagement activities, goals, audiences, impact, and approach - Nominee’s CV (max 5 pages), with a section dedicated to public engagement activities - At least two and up to five representative samples/documentation of public engagement work (letters of support are optional and count toward this limit) - Relevant social media accounts (if applicable) - All materials must be in English and submitted via the online portal. No email or postal submissions are accepted. - For accessibility or alternate submission formats, contact awards@aaas.org. --- ## Additional Information - Selection is made by a committee of distinguished scientists, engineers, and public engagement practitioners appointed by AAAS. - Criteria include active participation, strategic approach, audience reach, innovation, impact, and excellence in research. - Recipients may be invited to participate in AAAS public engagement activities. - Nominees and nominators are encouraged from diverse backgrounds and geographies. - All awardees must adhere to professional ethics and scientific integrity standards. --- ## External Links - [AAAS Mani L. Bhaumik Award for Public Engagement with Science – Program Page](https://www.aaas.org/awards/public-engagement-science/about) - [Nomination Portal](https://bhaumik.secure-platform.com/a) - [List of Past Recipients](https://www.aaas.org/awards/public-engagement-science/recipients) - [AAAS Awards Overview](https://www.aaas.org/about/aaas-awards) - [AAAS Communication Toolkit](https://www.aaas.org/page/communicating-engage) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Details | |----------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [awards@aaas.org](mailto:awards@aaas.org?subject=Mani%20L.%20Bhaumik%20Award%20for%20Public%20Engagement) | | Phone | 202-326-6400 | | Funder Contact Page | [AAAS Contact](https://www.aaas.org/contact-aaas) |

AAAS Mani L. Bhaumik Award for Public Engagement with Science

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