The Kalinga Prize for the Popularisation of Science

The Kalinga Prize rewards the exceptional efforts of a person who has had a distinguished career as a writer, editor, lecturer, radio/television programme director or film producer, which has enabled her/him to help interpret science, research and technology to the public. He/she is expected to be knowledgeable of the role of science, technology, and general research in the improvement of the public welfare, the enrichment of the cultural heritage of nations and the solutions to the problems of humanity. The objective of the Prize is in directly in line with UNESCO’s policies and is related to the Programme on the popularisation of science.

Jointly funded by the Kalinga Foundation Trust, the Government of the State of Orissa of India, and the Indian Government, this Prize aims to distinguish a person who has made a significant contribution to the popularisation of science or technology, as a writer, editor, lecturer, radio/television/web programme director or film producer. One candidate will be nominated by each Member State, through its National Commission for UNESCO, upon the recommendation of national associations for the advancement of science, academies of science, national associations of science writers and scientific journalists, or any other associations working in the field of science and the popularisation of science. Unsolicited applications by individuals cannot be considered.

The award consists of a cheque for the amount of the prize US$40,000, an award certificate, and the UNESCO-Albert Einstein silver medal. The laureate will also receive the Kalinga Chair as established by the Government of India (Department of Science and Technology) which comprises a certificate and cash award of US$5,000.

Application process

The Prize is destined to candidates having contributed significantly to the popularisation of science. The Prize may be awarded only to individuals. A work produced by a group of people shall not be considered. Applications shall be submitted to the Director-General through the governments of Member States, in consultation with their National Commissions, or through Non-Governmental Organisations maintaining formal relations with UNESCO. A self-nomination cannot be considered. Each Member State and Non-Governmental Organisation may designate one candidate.

Each application shall include a cover letter, and the following documents, in English or French:

• A description of the candidate's background
• The completed submission form
• The work, or a summary of the work, of the candidate on the popularisation of science, including publications and all other supporting materials, which may help the decision of the jury
• A description of how the candidate's submitted work has contributed to the popularisation of science

The application dossier should preferably be sent by e-mail. If, however, it must be sent by postal services, it should include five hard copies or five digital supports (USB, CD or DVD) of the complete dossier. Applications should be addressed to the Kalinga Prize Secretariat at UNESCO:

Mr Yoslan Nur
Programme Specialist
Division for Science Policy and Capacity Building
Natural Sciences Sector
UNESCO
7 Place Fontenoy
75732 Paris Cedex 07 SP
France
E-mail: y.nur@unesco.org

The deadline for reception by UNESCO of the completed applications is 17 May 2021.