AAAS Early Career Award for Public Engagement with Science

The AAAS Early Career Award for Public Engagement with Science was established in 2010 by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). AAAS is one of the world’s largest general scientific societies, and it is dedicated to advancing science and serving society. This particular award aims to recognize the contributions of early-career scientists and engineers who have demonstrated excellence in public engagement with science. The award includes a monetary prize of $5,000, a commemorative plaque, and formal recognition at the AAAS Annual Meeting. This award emphasizes active participation in efforts to engage the public on science- and technology-related issues and to foster meaningful dialogue between science and society. Eligible public engagement activities include informal science education, science cafés, festivals, public policy involvement, mass media efforts, and social media initiatives. The award celebrates individual achievements that go beyond routine job responsibilities to meaningfully connect with public audiences. Nominations for the 2026 award are accepted from April 15 through June 30, 2025, via the AAAS nomination site. Nominations can be submitted by individuals, universities, government agencies, media, research institutions, and AAAS affiliates. Self-nominations are also accepted. All nomination materials must be submitted in English and electronically through the nomination platform. Required components include the nominee and nominator’s contact information, a brief citation, a rationale statement (up to three pages), the nominee’s CV (up to five pages), up to five representative materials or documentation of public engagement, and optional letters of support. To qualify, nominees must be early-career scientists, defined as individuals who have completed their terminal degree within seven years of the nomination deadline. They must be actively conducting research in STEM fields including social sciences, mathematics, engineering, or medicine, and their public engagement work must be distinctly separate from their core job responsibilities. Groups and institutions are not eligible, and current students and AAAS employees are excluded from consideration. The selection committee, composed of scientists, engineers, and engagement professionals appointed by AAAS, evaluates nominations based on active participation, the quality of engagement, and the degree of dialogue with public audiences. AAAS may also ask winners to contribute to future public engagement initiatives. The awardee is announced at the AAAS Annual Meeting and must uphold standards of professional ethics and scientific integrity. For questions, applicants are encouraged to contact AAAS at awards@aaas.org, including “Early Career Award for Public Engagement” in the subject line. The 2025 recipient of this award is Barrak Alahmad from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health for his work on health impacts of extreme temperature, particularly with vulnerable populations.

Clearly distinguish engagement work from job duties, focus on interactive dialogue with public, and emphasize goals, audiences, outcomes, and personal scientific impact.