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REGULATIONS FOR THE AWARD OF THE
UNESCO KALINGA PRIZE FOR THE POPULARIZATION
OF SCIENCE
Next Session: 2009
Background
The Kalinga Prize for the Popularization of Science
was created by UNESCO in 1951 following a donation from Mr Bijoyanand Patnaik, Founder and President of the Kalinga
Foundation Trust in India.
The Prize rewards an individual who has distinguished him- or
herself during a brilliant career as writer, editor, lecturer, film producer, radio/television programme director or presenter,
through his/her talent in interpreting science and technology for the general public.
The person is expected to have striven during the course of his/her
career to emphasize the international importance of science and technology and the contribution they make to improving public welfare,
enriching the cultural heritage of nations and solving problems facing humanity. Many past Prize winners have been scientists in their
own right, while others have been trained in journalism or have been educators or writers.
Composition of prize
The winner of the UNESCO Kalinga Prize receives the sum of £10,000, a certificate and the UNESCO-Albert Einstein silver medal. The Prize winner will be offered Kalinga Chair by Government of India (Department of Science and Technology) and will be invited to travel to India, for a two to four week period to interact with scientists and science communicators. He/she will be provided with appropriate facilities to familiarize him/herself with Indian life and culture, Indian research and educational institutions, and the development of India’s industry and economy. The Chair also comprises a certificate and cash award of US$5,000. He/she will also be invited to visit Indian universities and attend meetings of Indian scientific societies, particularly those of the Indian Science Congress Association. While in India, the recipient will be asked to deliver lectures in English and take part in meetings, with a view to giving an interpretation to India of recent progress in science and technology or the social, cultural and educational consequences of modern science.
Procedure
Nominations shall be submitted to the Director-General by the
governments of Member States, in consultation with their National Commissions, and by non-governmental organizations
maintaining formal relations with UNESCO. A self-nomination cannot be considered. Each Member State and non-governmental
organization may designate one candidate. Each nomination shall be accompanied by a written recommendation, which shall
include five copies of the following documents, in English or French:
- description of the candidate’s background and achievements;
- summary of the work or the results of the work on popularization of science, publications and other supporting materials, submitted for consideration; and
- definition of the candidate’s contribution of a review of the way in which the work submitted has contributed to the popularisation of science.
The deadline for receipt of applications by UNESCO is 15 May of the year the prize award.
The winner is selected by the Director-General of UNESCO upon the
recommendation of a five-member Jury designated by him. The Jury are designated on the basis of equitable
geographical distribution. UNESCO informs each Member
State of the name of the successful applicant.
The Prize is awarded biennially in the same year of the UNESCO
General Conference. It will be awarded by the Director-General at an official ceremony held for that purpose in the place where
UNESCO celebrates World Science Day, on 10 November.
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Science Policy
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