The Communication Award of the IUSS, established in 2024, is an award for an institution, group, or individual that has shown outstanding soil science communication. In particular, the award is to be given for a scientific communication campaign or a demonstration of exceptional impact through social media, popular press, or any other media platform. The candidatures might be nominated by any member of the IUSS or the Executive Committee of the IUSS.
Eligibility of nominator. Any active member of a national soil science society belonging to the IUSS may nominate. Members of the IUSS Committee on Prizes and Awards may not make nominations.
Eligibility of nominee(s). Nominee must be an active member of a national Soil Science Society belonging to the IUSS. Self-nominations are ok. A current officer of the IUSS Committee on Prizes and Awards may not be nominated.
Award Frequency. This Award will be awarded every four years during each IUSS World Congress.
Criteria for nominating a scientist or group of scientists or institution:
The nominee (individual, group, or institution) has made a significant contribution to the advancement of soil science, through effective communication. Examples of significant contributions include the nominee had exemplified one or more of the following:
- Engagement with a broad audience of non-specialists to take an interest in soil science.
- Successful introduction and advocacy of soil knowledge and applications to policy makers and other actors.
- Translating soil information into usable concepts and scalable tools for end users (farmers, managers, nature and landscape conservation agencies, foresters, urban planners, consultants, extensionists).
- Developing novel and inspiring information for teachers, schools, children, and/or youth.
- Improving accessibility or dissemination of soil science information.
Criteria for Evaluation of nominees include the following.
- Exceptional insight in understanding the target audience; quality of novelty, creativity and artistry; and/or use of new and open communication channels.
- The nominee strives to provide correct scientific information at all times.
- The nominee engages in respectful, inclusive communication, aiming to provide information to marginalized and underrepresented audiences.
- The nominee manages to find the right balance between presenting an understandable message and oversimplification of the information.
Application for IUSS Communication Award shall be as follows
All nomination materials must be submitted to the Chair of the Committee on Prizes and Awards (CPA).
- Submit a two page description of the specific communication campaign, or event
- A summary of the type and subject matter of communication.
- Discussion on the impact or potential for impact on the discipline soil science to the broader community outside of soil science.
- Evidence and metrics regarding reach and uptake of the communication.
- Contribution of the communication to improved access to soil science knowledge.
- Contribution of communication to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Two-page Resumes or abridged curriculum vitae of all nominees involved.
- Letter of nomination, 2-page limit. The nomination should provide context and address evaluation criteria.
- Three letters of support, each a one-page limit. Letters of support should include those impacted by the communication and those that provide context of the impact.
Nomination Format.
Preparation of the best nomination possible for a distinguished colleague is a compliment to both the nominee and the nominator, and it provides maximum assurance that the nominee will be selected to receive the award. Obtaining the assistance of the nominee in supplying information is permissible and may improve the accuracy and completeness of the documentation. Clearly identifying and evaluating the nominee’s contribution is the most important part of the nomination, because nominations are ranked primarily on this basis.
Application documents must be in one PDF file and contain all application requirements. The first page of the nomination should include the following at the top of the page: Title of the award, the name of the nominee, and name of nominator.
Nominee: Include the name, position, affiliated institution, mail address (with zip code), and E-mail address.
Nominator: Include the name, position, affiliated institution, E-mail address, and signature.
Deadline. The deadline for receipt of a nomination is 12 months before the beginning of the next WCSS at which the prizes are to be bestowed.
Prize. The award consists of an engraved medal, a certificate, conference registration, financial assistance for travel and accommodation for one recipient to attend the presentation of the award at the upcoming WCSS.
Note. The award will not be awarded if the Prizes and Awards Committee considers that there is no outstanding candidate or outstanding group to receive it.
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