Criteria for nomination
1) The prize is awarded to scientists who have made an *especially courageous public commitment* in the areas of:
- environmental and climate justice
- the protection of species and habitats or the climate
This includes environmental and climate sciences, but also the social sciences, such as political science, sociology, economics, etc. They can work at universities, in research institutions, in companies, NGOs, or as a freelancer/volunteer.
2) The jury awards members of the scientific communities who:
- are extraordinarily committed to environmental and climate justice, data justice, human and environmental rights, the rights of nature, and a good life for all. They stand for peaceful civil disobedience and non-violent resistance against destructive projects and developments that harm both the earth and humanity
- expose themselves publicly in order to draw attention to the dramatic nature of the biodiversity and climate crisis and the urgency of a systemic transformative change,
- are in contact with groups that are existentially affected by climate impacts and environmental destruction.
3) Background and Diversity
- All winners must contribute to the advancement of science and knowledge in the aforementioned fields.
- The prize also seeks to recognize the crucial connection between scientific research and Indigenous knowledge systems for the benefit of the environment.
- The award aims for gender parity and geographic diversity.
- The award is intended to honour individuals whose work and commitment to environmental and climate justice is not yet widely known internationally.
Next jury
The winners make up the scientific nomination jury for the following year’s award. They are requested to make:
- two or three nominations from their own continent/ region and
- one additional nomination from another continent, if possible.
Award process
The members of the scientific nomination jury can nominate courageous individuals and exceptionally committed research teams.
The members of the scientific nomination jury nominate scientists or scholars from all six continents: Africa, Asia, Australia with Oceania, Europe, North America and South America.
The Scientific Advisory Board will discuss the nominations and decide the award winners in the spring of the following year.
Procedure for 2025
The scientific nomination jury nominated 22 people and groups from six continents. The scientific advisory board and a representative of the Forum Ökosoziale Transformationen decided the award winners.
Budget
The non-profit association Forum Ökosoziale Transformationen (Vienna) was launched in 2024 and has financed the overall project. We welcome supporters who would like to make a donation in order to increase the amount of the financial prize (currently €5,000 per continent). For inquiries, please contact contact@courageousscientistsaward.org