The award is open to anyone who, during the past five years:

• has had articles published in any South African print medium
• AND/OR
• has had insert broadcasts on any South African radio or television programme

AND/OR

• has communicated science and technology regularly in other innovative ways (e.g. online interactive material, drama, cartoons, exhibitions, public lectures and other science engagement events).

Entries may include communicating on the life sciences, physical and social sciences, engineering and mathematics, as well as policy, health and environmental issues related to science and technology.

Aims: The award is intended to encourage the promotion of science and technology through conventional and/or innovative means, in order to:

• Raise public awareness of SET issues and how the quality of people’s daily lives is affected by such issues
• Raise public awareness of career opportunities in SET
• Engage the public in SET in innovative ways

Method and quality of delivery: The communicator must use innovative and diverse but appropriate approaches in his or her communication to public audiences. The award-winning communicator/researcher’s work should promote knowledge and an understanding of controversial or complex issues. The communicator’s approach must be accessible, innovative, objective, responsible and scientifically correct.

Reach of communication: The reach of the nominee’s public communication should be demonstrable. The communication should preferably include diverse audiences.

To include with the nomination form: A portfolio of communication interventions and products. This should incorporate:

• Copies of the articles/programmes/books or videos/DVDs of performances
• Documentation which provides evidence of the nominee’s work
• Any awards for science communication and/or grants received for public awareness projects (e.g. National Science Week) should be mentioned in the nomination form.