The Royal Society Hauksbee Awards

As part of its 350th anniversary in 2010, the Royal Society will recognise the unsung heroes of science, technology, engineering and maths for their work and commitment in these areas. This is an excellent opportunity to reward and celebrate the contribution made to the UK science base by the many individuals, such as laboratory technicians, teachers and teaching assistants who support these disciplines

THE ROYAL SOCIETY is the independent scientific academy of the UK and Commonwealth dedicated to promoting excellence in science. It was founded in 1660 by twelve eminent scientists including Christopher Wren, Robert Boyle and Robert Moray. From its inception up until the present day, the Society has been at the cutting edge of science, supporting scientists and engineers in their quest to discover more about the world we live in. In 2010, the Society is celebrating its 350th anniversary and as part of its celebrations will recognise and reward the unsung heroes of science - those who support the UK science base in roles such as laboratory technician and teacher, without whom cutting-edge research would not be possible. Through the Hauksbee Awards, the Royal Society wishes to recognise these individuals and their indispensable contribution.

The awards are named after Francis Hauksbee who was Isaac Newton's laboratory assistant at the Royal Society. During his time as President, Newton appointed Hauksbee as curator and instrument maker, and Hauksbee later became a Fellow in his own right in 1705.

Who can be nominated?
The Royal Society will recognise and reward individuals in roles that support the UK science base in the following categories:

• Schools and colleges

• Universities

• Industry

• Public sector

These categories will therefore cover roles such as laboratory technicians, teachers, teaching assistants and many more.

The nomination process

Nominations are invited from employers or senior colleagues of the nominee, for example Head of Department, Head Teacher or Head of Laboratory.

Nominators should fill out the nomination form found at royalsociety.org/hauksbee.  They should supply contact details of 2 referees, at least one of whom has benefited directly from the candidate's work or contribution. Nominators should also attach a recent CV of the candidate. The completed nomination form and CV should then be emailed to awards@royalsociety.org.

The call for nominations is open from 30 March 2009 - 29 May 2009, after which

the Hauksbee Awards Committee will meet to review the nominations. We anticipate informing recipients and other nominees in November 2009. The award is open to any individual working to support the UK science base including technology, engineering and maths.

The award is open to citizens of the UK, a Commonwealth country or of the Irish Republic or those who have been ordinarily resident and have been working in the UK, a Commonwealth country or in the Irish Republic for a minimum of 3 years immediately prior to the date of nomination for the award.

Selection Criteria

The Committee will assess the nominations based on the following 3 selection criteria:

• Achievements – Through commitment to their work, nominees have significantly contributed to their department, organisation or laboratory as a whole.  Nominees demonstrate outstanding skills and expertise in their role and have inspired their colleagues and/or students.  Nominees are recognised by their peers and senior colleagues for their excellent work.

• Development – Nominees actively seek and take opportunities to improve their personal development, development of their colleagues and also development of their organisation as a whole.

• Personal attributes – Nominees are enthusiastic about their subject and their role in it and are an indispensable part of the department or team.  Nominees have excellent leadership and communication skills.

Each winner of a Hauksbee Award will receive a Royal Society engraved bronze medal, scroll and £500.  There are no restrictions to the use of this gift by the recipient. These will be presented at an award ceremony held at the Royal Society in February 2010.  Winners will be invited along with a guest to this prestigious evening event to receive their prize and to be commended for their excellent work.