Procedures for Entry

The entrant must submit the following items:

• A completed Entry Form.
   
• An essay, written by the entrant, describing their research and its impact. The essay must not exceed 1000 words in length (main text) and may include one figure or table and up to 15 citations

  • Describe the problem addressed and articulate how the research was designed to be useful in developing a solution. Evidence of consideration of policy and decision making impacts should be clear throughout the research process. 

  • Note where innovation was required, for example changes to conventional methods and approaches.

  • Demonstrate an ability to work with stakeholders and collaborators in reaching an outcome that can effect durable change.

  • Articulate a path to a significant societal or policy impact.

• A 500-word personal statement laying out the larger goals for the research, the process of identifying and articulating problems and working with relevant communities to identify effective solutions, and the nature of the impacts for policy and decision-making.  The personal statement will be taken into account in evaluating the policy impact of the research.
   
• A one-page letter of recommendation from a postdoctoral adviser, supervisor, or other senior colleague who is familiar with the entrant’s work.
   
• A Curriculum Vitae that includes the following:
  • Full citations of papers that the entrant has published on the research described in the essay
  • Academic and professional awards and honors that the entrant has received; and
  • Relevant professional experience.
     
• Copies of two of the entrant's papers that are most relevant to the essay.

The Entry Form and additional submission materials must be submitted electronically through our prize management system here.

Criteria for Evaluation:

• Clarity of the essay: Researchers should demonstrate a clear understanding of the problem(s) they are addressing, including the context of the problem, and how different groups of people are affected by the problem(s) and solution(s). The research should be clearly described, including discussion of how it is designed to generate solutions of public value, with the goal of informing policy and decision making.
   
• Technical Excellence: Research that is rigorous, as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications, and could also include white papers, workshops, or public-facing communications.
   
• Policy Impact: Research is designed to generate solutions of public value, with the goal of informing policy and decision making, as demonstrated in the personal statement.  This will be evaluated based on the essay and the personal policy statement.
   
• Innovation: Innovation could be in research design, execution, and/or implementation

Below is a timeline of the prize selection process. You will be contacted only if there are additonal materials or information needed.

May/June/July/August: Compliation and Review of Submissions

September/October/November: Selection of Award Winner(s)

February 2026: Announcement of  Award Winner(s) & Ceremony