The John Maddox Prize

The John Maddox Prize recognises the work of individuals who promote sound science and evidence on a matter of public interest, facing difficulty or hostility in doing so. Nominations are now open for the 2018 prize.

Sir John Maddox, whose name this prize commemorates, was a passionate and tireless champion and defender of science, engaging with difficult debates and inspiring others to do the same. As a writer and editor, he changed attitudes and perceptions, and strove for better understanding and appreciation of science throughout his long working life.

It pays tribute to the attitude of Sir John who, in the words of his friend Walter Gratzer: “wrote prodigiously on all that was new and exciting in scientific discovery and technological advance, denouncing fearlessly what he believed to be wrong, dishonest or shoddy. He did it with humour and grace, but he never sidestepped controversy, which he seemed in fact to relish. His forthrightness brought him some enemies, often in high places, but many more friends. He changed attitudes and perceptions, and strove throughout his long working life for a better public understanding and appreciation of science.”

The winner of the John Maddox Prize receives £3000, and an announcement of the winner is published in Nature. The award is presented each year at a reception in November.

Eligibility & Nomination Process

• Candidates for the John Maddox Prize must be nominated.
• The nominator should normally be an individual who is familiar with the work of the candidate but self-nomination will be considered in exceptional circumstances. This is a global prize: people from any country and in any field can be nominated.
• Individuals can be nominated for any kind of public activity in any of the following areas:
• Addressing misleading information about scientific issue (including social science and medicine).
• Bringing sound evidence to bear in a public or policy debate.
• Helping people to make sense of a complex scientific issue.

Nominations are to take the form of a letter of recommendation and include biographical information on the candidate and a description of the candidate’s work in standing up for science. Permission must be sought from the nominee. If possible, a supporting referee should be included in the nomination form who may be contacted for supporting information and comments regarding the candidate’s activities. Nominations and supporting references must be submitted in English. The individual nominated, the referee, and the nominator may be contacted for more information including references.

Staff, trustees and directors of the supporting organisations and previous or current members of the judging panel and their direct relations are not eligible for nomination for the prize, though they may nominate. It is open to anyone else, including people who have published with or worked with either organisation as contributors, advisers or in other collaborations. Previous winners are ineligible but those commended or nominated in previous years may be nominated again, if they fulfil the criteria in the current year.

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