The SCANZ Emerging Science Communicator Award 2025

This award aims to recognise those science communicators near the beginning of their sci-com journey. The prize includes $500 cash and a complimentary registration to the 2026 SCANZ conference in Christchurch (including the conference dinner).

Submissions close 5pm 25 August 2025.

You may submit to either the SCANZ Emerging Science Communicator Award OR the SCANZ Excellence in Science Communication Award.

ABOUT THE AWARD

The SCANZ Emerging Science Communicator Award will be presented to an individual that has undertaken a science communication project and can demonstrate its success. The project can be from any area of science communication, for example, sharing information about a research project or results, building awareness of a scientific topic or concept, engaging a community to undertake a scientific project, or encouraging students to continue study in a scientific field.

Rather than define ‘emerging’, we would like you to tell us how you consider yourself an emerging science communicator. It may be that you are a recent student, but we also acknowledge not everyone in the field has formal training, so instead you may have recently joined the field through work or your own creative practice or outreach. Email us at hello@scanz.co.nz if you wish to discuss before your submission.

The award will be judged on the quality of explanation of scientific concepts, how interest is captured, the relevance to and style of communication for the intended audience, and the delivery against identified objectives. In general, the project must have demonstrated that the chosen audience was engaged and gained a better understanding of an aspect of science and/or the role and importance of science in Aotearoa New Zealand or globally.

Entries must include a description of the project and results attained and may also include a portfolio of communications materials (written or audio visual) to demonstrate delivery of the project.

Excellence in SCIENCE Communication AWARD

Submissions are also open for the SCANZ Excellence in Science Communication Award. Find out more and submit to this award here. You may submit to only one award.

SOME IMPORTANT DETAILS

  • All submissions will be acknowledged on receipt.

  • The closing date for submissions is 5pm 25 August 2025.

  • Any Aotearoa New Zealand-based science communicator is eligible. You do not need to be a current SCANZ member to enter.

  • For this prize, applicants will be able to self-define 'emerging' as people come to the science communication field in various ways and at various points in their career.

  • The chosen project must have been completed in the 2 years prior to the closing date.

  • A selection committee will assess all entries and determine award recipients based on submitted information only.

  • Entrants will be informed of award outcome by early October 2025.

  • Awards will be presented at a special online networking event in November 2025.

  • Award recipients are invited to present their application at the 2026 conference in Christchurch.

Submission instructions

Please submit your proposal via the form on this page by 5pm 25 August 2025. You may add illustrative links to your submission form. If necessary, please submit a maximum of 10 portfolio samples to hello@scanz.co.nz to complement your award submission.