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

June 2026 (Nomination deadline, projected)

$5,000 cash prize, commemorative plaque, and recognition at the AAAS Annual Meeting (one recipient annually)

Honors early-career scientists and engineers for outstanding public engagement with science and fostering dialogue between science and society.

--- ## Description This annual award recognizes early-career scientists, engineers, and mathematicians who have demonstrated excellence in engaging the public with science and technology issues. The award aims to highlight individuals who promote meaningful dialogue between science and society through activities such as informal science education, science communication, public policy engagement, and interactive events. The recipient receives a $5,000 prize, a commemorative plaque, and is honored at the AAAS Annual Meeting. Public engagement activities must go beyond typical job responsibilities and demonstrate interactive dialogue with non-scientific audiences. --- ## Due Dates - June 2026: Nomination deadline (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - $5,000 monetary award - Commemorative plaque - Recognition at the AAAS Annual Meeting - One recipient selected annually --- ## Eligibility - Nominee must be an individual scientist, mathematician, or engineer actively conducting research in STEM (including social sciences, mathematics, engineering, or medicine). - Must have completed their terminal degree within seven years of the nomination deadline (“early career”). - Nominees may be based in academia, government, or industry. - Current students are not eligible. - Public engagement activities must be above and beyond job responsibilities. - Nominations can be made by individuals, universities, government agencies, media, research organizations, AAAS affiliates, or self-nomination. - Prior nominees or finalists may be re-nominated. - AAAS employees are ineligible. - Groups or institutions are not eligible. --- ## Application Process - Nominations must be submitted electronically via the [nomination site](https://earlycareer.secure-platform.com/a/). - Required materials: - Nominee and nominator contact details - Brief citation (25–30 words) describing the nominee’s accomplishments - Nomination rationale (max 3 pages, PDF): describe public engagement goals, audiences, dialogue, evaluation, and impact on scientific work - Curriculum vitae (max 5 pages, PDF), with a section highlighting public engagement activities - At least two (up to five) samples or documentation illustrating public engagement work (letters of support are optional and count toward the sample limit) - Optional: List of relevant social media accounts - All materials must be in English and submitted through the online portal; email or postal submissions are not accepted. - For alternate formats, contact awards@aaas.org. --- ## Additional Information - The award is presented at the AAAS Annual Meeting. - Nominees are evaluated on active participation, quality, and interactive dialogue in public engagement activities. - The selection committee is composed of scientists, engineers, and public engagement practitioners. - Awardees may be invited to contribute to AAAS public engagement events. - All winners must adhere to high standards of professional ethics and scientific integrity. - AAAS encourages nominations from diverse backgrounds and geographies. --- ## External Links - [Award Overview and Eligibility](https://www.aaas.org/awards/early-career-public-engagement/about) - [Nomination Portal](https://earlycareer.secure-platform.com/a/) - [Past Recipients](https://www.aaas.org/page/early-career-award-public-engagement-science-recipients) - [AAAS Awards Information](https://www.aaas.org/about/aaas-awards) - [AAAS Public Engagement Program](https://www.aaas.org/programs/public-engagement) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |-----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | General inquiries | [awards@aaas.org](mailto:awards@aaas.org?subject=Early%20Career%20Award%20for%20Public%20Engagement) | | AAAS main phone | 202-326-6400 | | Contact AAAS online | [Contact Form](https://www.aaas.org/contact-aaas) |

Early Career Award for Public Engagement with Science

Sign in to see full grant listing