The Royal Society Kohn Award aims to encourage younger scientists and science communicators to adopt good practice in engaging with public audiences. The winner will receive a prize of £2, 500, a grant of £7,500 for science communication activities and a silver gilt medal.

The Earl of Selborne, chairman of the Royal Society’s Science in Society Committee said: “It’s vital that we encourage young scientists to engage meaningfully with audiences outside the scientific community. The public have a key role to play in realising the potential of technological advances. Genuine dialogue must allow citizens from outside the world of science to have their views listened to and taken into account. It must also permit scientists to fully represent both the potential benefits and concerns around the use of new knowledge,”

Public dialogue activities covered by the award can relate to any scientific or technological discipline within the remit of the Royal Society. These include mathematics, engineering science, agricultural and medical research, as well as the scientific aspects of archaeology, geography and experimental psychology.

Applications will be assessed on the quality of engagement activities and the current or perceived future impact of their work – most of which should have taken place in the UK. The closing date for entries is 15 October 2004.