The SCANZ Excellence in Science Communication Award 2025

This award - which includes a $1500 cash prize - is celebrated biennially by the Science Communicators Association of New Zealand to recognise outstanding communication of science to a non-scientific audience. Submissions close 5pm 25 August 2025.

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

ABOUT THE AWARD

The SCANZ Award will be presented to an individual or team that have 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.

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.

SOME IMPORTANT DETAILS

  • All submissions will be acknowledged on receipt.

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

  • You may submit to only one award.

  • Any Aotearoa New Zealand-based individual SCANZ member, or team where one or more individuals are SCANZ members, is eligible to enter the awards. There are no restrictions on length of membership.

  • 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.