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RATIONALE AND
BACKGROUND
Science enables
us to "learn from the past" and "learn for the future."
With the issue of sustainability in the use of our
natural resources and the call for changes in
lifestyles, we need socially viable institutions that
will govern our relationship to each other as
individuals, communities and countries.
Science has a
very distinctive set of values, which can provide the
ethical compass for the way we live our lives, the way
we relate to nature and to each other. The ethics of
science are well established and the norms are, in
general, adhered to in practice even if the practicing
ethics of individual scientists may not always be in
absolute conformity. Science is supposed to be
objective, intellectually honest, open, universal,
verifiable, gives credit where credit is due, and
recognizes the value of collaborating with others even
as scientists strive for individual excellence.
If science
culture is to become part of who we are as nation,
science must not only reach but "touch" our people in
various ways in terms of:
- awareness and
knowledge about science and scientists do;
- an
appreciation of the role of science in everyday
life;
- an
understanding of the connections between local
knowledge and present-day science
- a realization
of the historical roots of our present and future;
- actual
experience of benefits from science products;
- a respect for
the human values which science represents; and most
of all
- a recognition
that social science is science.
Science
communication is more than science reporting. It
requires audience perspective and a lot more besides.
Science communication is more than translating science
into Filipino or into layman's language for layman's
language is not always the most appealing to a layman.
Science
communication means writing about: science as a human
activity, science products, science issues, science
impact on society, environment, and human welfare. The
emphasis on writing is premised on the reality that
even broadcast and electronic media also depend
largely on written materials for what they will say.
There is no question that broadcast (radio, TV, etc.)
and electronic media have audio-visual and interactive
features, which print media, cannot offer. The
drawback of electronic media, at the moment, is the
lack of access to them by the general public.
The National
Academy of Science and Technology, as the highest
recognition body for S&T in the country, seeks to
reverse this process by instituting the award. The
award seeks to honor the journalist who has written
the most outstanding article or series of articles on
an important facet of science and technology within
the award period (September 2005 to August 2006). In
so doing, the Academy formally recognizes the critical
role of S&T journalism contributes to the promotion
and development of the much sought-after science
culture.
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of
the award is to recognize and make a model out of a
full time media practitioner who has contributed to
the popularization and development of a science
culture, where the public can understand the
scientific process and results, there is
democratization of scientific knowledge, science
becoming part of everyday communication and
appreciating the values and way of life of scientists
and their works. (GELIA T. CASTILLO, Ph.D., National
Scientist)
MECHANICS
The Outstanding
Science and Technology Communicator Award will be
given annually during the Academy's scheduled forum
with the media in the 1st week of December. The
following procedure will be implemented:
1. Call for
nominations. Invitations to various institutions and
individuals from the media sector, DOST agencies and
its Regional Offices to send nominations.
2. Screening and
Selection. The Board of Judges will formulate its own
guidelines/criteria for judging. The Board will screen
and select one (1) grand prize winner. The Board's
decision is final and unappeasable.
PRIZE
The grand prize
winner will receive a cash prize from United
Laboratories, Inc. (Unilab) and a plaque of
recognition from the Academy.
CANDIDATE
QUALIFICATIONS
To be eligible for
the award, the person must be:
Articles and topics
for broadcast should be in the area of
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Agriculture
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Health
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Environment
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Biotechnology
-
Engineering
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ICT
-
Basic Sciences
-
Social Sciences
NOMINATIONS
Nominations to this
award may be made by the heads of media
institutions/sectors, DOST agencies and Regional
Offices, and heads of public and private research
institutions. Please attach the following:
Entries should be
submitted in eight (8) copies.
The deadline for
submission of nominations is every 15th day of October
each year.
CALENDAR OF
ACTIVITIES
July - September -
dissemination of announcements
October
- deadline for submission of nominations
November
- screening of nominations received
December
- Awarding Ceremony
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