Nominations are now open for the prestigious 2025 John Maddox Prize, an international award that celebrates scientists who have made remarkable strides in defending scientific evidence and promoting evidence-based research. This award recognizes their outstanding contributions to society and encourages others to follow in their footsteps.
Named after the distinguished British chemist and science advocate, Sir John Maddox, the prize was established in 2012 by Sense about Science and Nature to honor scientists who demonstrate courage, integrity, and perseverance in communicating scientific evidence to the public and policymakers.
The John Maddox Prize is open to individuals from all fields of science, including but not limited to health, environment, technology, and social sciences. The prize aims to recognize scientists who have faced intense challenges or hostility in their efforts to communicate their research findings publicly or to policymakers.
As we enter a new decade, the need for scientific evidence to guide decision-making has never been more pressing. The world is facing numerous challenges, from climate change and pandemics to fake news and conspiracy theories. In this critical juncture, the John Maddox Prize stands as an important reminder of the crucial role that scientists play in shaping our understanding of the world and driving progress.
The 2025 John Maddox Prize is a call to action for all scientists who strive to defend the integrity of science and promote evidence-based research. It is a platform to showcase their work and inspire others to embrace scientific evidence in their decision-making processes.
Previous winners of the John Maddox Prize have been trailblazers in their respective fields, making significant contributions to science and society. In 2023, the prize was awarded to Dr. Mina Bissell, a cancer researcher who faced fierce opposition for her groundbreaking work on the role of extracellular matrix in the development of cancer. In 2021, the prize went to Dr. Anthony Fauci, the renowned immunologist and infectious disease expert, who has been a steadfast voice of reason and evidence throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
The John Maddox Prize recognizes not only the scientific achievements of its winners but also their commitment to promoting scientific evidence in society. Their work has not only advanced our understanding of the natural world but has also helped to build a more informed and resilient society.
Nominating someone for the John Maddox Prize is a great way to acknowledge their contribution to science and society and to support their efforts. It is also an opportunity to shine a spotlight on their work, which may have often gone unnoticed or underappreciated.
So if you know a scientist who has faced challenges or hostility in their efforts to communicate evidence-based research, nominate them for the 2025 John Maddox Prize. The nomination process is open to anyone, and self-nominations are also accepted. The deadline for nominations is October 31, 2024.
A panel of distinguished judges from the scientific community will review the nominations and select two winners. Each winner will receive a prize of £3000, and their outstanding work will be featured in various media outlets, creating a platform to share their message with a wider audience.
In addition, the winners will also have the opportunity to become ambassadors for evidence-based research, inspiring others to embrace scientific evidence and promote its use in decision-making.
The John Maddox Prize is a beacon of hope for scientists who face daunting challenges in their quest to promote evidence-based research. It acknowledges their courage, integrity, and perseverance and encourages them to keep fighting for the truth.
In a world where misinformation and pseudoscience are rampant, the John Maddox Prize is a refuge for scientists who stand for the truth and rely on evidence to guide their work. It is also a reminder to all of us that scientific evidence must be at the core of any decision-making process, whether it is in public policy or everyday life.
Let us all celebrate and support the efforts of these unsung heroes by nominating them for the 2025 John Maddox Prize. Together, we can create a more informed and enlightened society, built on the strong foundation of scientific evidence. The deadline for nominations is approaching, so make sure to submit your nominations and be a part of this global movement for evidence-based research.
