The John Vane Academy
Lay Communications Prize
About the Award
The annual Lay Communication Prize is awarded to researchers within the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at Queen Mary University of London who demonstrate skill in explaining complex research to a lay audience.
The winners receive funds of up to £500 to cover registration, accommodation and/or travel to a scientific conference which would benefit their research and might otherwise be unaffordable.
All eligible submissions will be judged by a mainly lay panel, which also includes one or two senior scientists. The highest-scored applicants are then invited to present in-person and to answer questions from the panel.
Once again, all applicants are asked to write their submission on the same topic: Describe the activities of your FMD research institute and how they benefit the wider community.
The panel members enjoy having this overview of the work going on within FMD and we hope it also gives applicants a fresh appreciation for how their own research fits into the bigger picture.
Eligibility
To enter this competition, you must:
- be a current member of the John Vane Academy (JVA)*
- be an early-career researcher**
- study or work at one of the institutes within the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at Queen Mary University of London AND
- be primarily involved in one or more of the following fields of research: cardiovascular disease, inflammation or endocrine disorders (meeting WHRF's charitable purpose to support medical research in these specific areas)
* JVA membership is free. For details and to download an application form, please visit the JVA membership page HERE.
** The JVA defines ‘early-career researchers’ as PhD students and postdoctoral scientists within eight years of the award of their PhD or primary medical degree (exclusive of significant career breaks).
Previously successful applicants for the Lay Communications Prize are not eligible. However, you may be perfect for a shortlisting panel. Please get in touch if you are interested in helping the JVA select the next cohort of Lay Comms winners!
Other Important Details
Submissions should be written in lay language, such that they can be understood by and interest someone with no more than a secondary school science education.
The deadline for this year’s competition is 12 noon on Monday 1st June. The form is then closed so make sure to submit your entry in good time.
If your written submission is shortlisted, you will be invited to present it in person to our mostly lay panel as a chance to showcase your oral presentation skills as well. These presentations will be held at the Charterhouse Square campus in London on the afternoon of Monday 15th June. Please hold this date in your diary.
The winner will be awarded £500. Runners-up will be awarded £400. The award can cover registration fees, accommodation and/or travel to attend a scientific conference which is relevant to your research. The funds are issued as reimbursements against receipts.
