Society for Neuroscience Science Educator Award

Background
The Society for Neuroscience is pleased to offer the annual Science Educator Award. The award is given each year at the Society's annual meeting to an outstanding neuroscientist who has made significant contributions to educating the public about the field. The recipient of the award will receive a $5,000 honorarium, plaque, and support to attend SfN's annual meeting.

Eligibility
Criteria for nomination and selection:

• The award honors a neuroscientist who has contributed substantially to public understanding of neuroscience.
• Nominees should make significant contributions toward the four areas of SfN's mission. In addition, accomplishments and activities should align with the Public Education Strategy in SfN's Strategic Plan.
• Nominee's work is judged on how well it addresses SfN's mission and strategic plan, the number and population of people impacted, the innovative nature of the work, and the possibility of national dissemination.
• Types of activities considered include:
  • Programs for professional development of teachers and for student research mentorships
  • Development of educational resources, books, magazines, and newspaper articles
  • Broadcasting
  • Lectures
  • Exhibit design
  • Web site development and other public education and outreach activities about neuroscience.
• Nominators are encouraged to identify candidates whose contributions reach broad audiences that include children, K-12 teachers, women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
• Eligible individuals should be actively engaged in research and/or teaching, as well as related education activities.

Nominations must be made by an SfN member and the nominee must be an SfN member. Nominations from the public (school districts, science museums, civic organizations, etc.) must have member sponsorship.

Nomination packages are reviewed by a committee of neuroscientists recommended by the Committee on Committees and approved by the Council.

Application Information
Nomination packages must include seven copies of each of the following:

• A cover sheet containing detailed contact information, complete spelling of name, all applicable degrees, preferred mailing address, and institutional affiliation
• A letter of nomination by a Society member, including the candidate's name, affiliation, and the activities that demonstrate his or her contribution to public education as described in the approved strategic plan (limit of five pages)
• Additional letters of recommendation (optional, limit of 3) provided by members of the public impacted by the nominee's efforts
• A portfolio of the nominee's work containing documentation of their efforts, including educational materials (e.g., video, photographs, Web sites), publications (e.g., newspaper articles, manuscripts, books), and other printed matter (e.g., curriculum)
• An abbreviated curriculum vita with relevant activities highlighted

Note: Nomination materials submitted without seven copies are not considered. SfN is not permitted to duplicate or summarize materials on behalf of nominees.

Nomination packages should be sent to:

Science Educator Award Program
Society for Neuroscience
1121 14th Street, NW
Suite 1010
Washington, DC  20005
ATTN: Nadine Costello

For more information, contact Nadine Costello at ncostello@sfn.org or or (202) 962-4000.

Award Presentation
The award is presented to the recipient at the Society's annual meeting.  

Past Recipients

• David P. Friedman, PhD - Wake Forest University (2007)
• Roberta Diaz Brinton, PhD - University of Southern California (2006)
• Colin Blakemore, PhD - University of Oxford (2005)
• Rochelle Schwartz-Bloom, PhD - Duke University Medical Center (2004)
• Eric Chudler, PhD - University of Washington (2003)