The Ida B. Wells Public Engagement Award recognizes outstanding accomplishments by an individual, organization or partnership within the past 5 years for the successful translation of population health scientific research into service of the public good. Elements for successful translation of research to action include: (1) meaningful or significant research addressing a pressing population health problem, (2) partnerships and collaboration, (3) clear and effective communication, and appropriate dissemination channels, and (4) demonstration of impact.
Selection of awardee(s) is based on the overall demonstrated strength of the nominees across the following criteria. Ideally, a successful nominee will demonstrate some degree of strength on each criterion, but strengths are expected to vary across the four criteria depending on the nature of the work being nominated.
- Significant or relevant research: Research methods used are sound and appropriate to the questions asked and population(s) engaged in the study, and research meaningfully addresses or studies a compelling population or community health problem.
- Collaboration: Demonstrates excellence in collaborating or forming partnerships between population health scientists and community groups, policymakers, or practitioners in designing, conducting, and/or interpreting research, so as to provide actionable solutions to improve population health or advancement of health equity. Collaborations are mutually beneficial and provide meaningful roles to all partners in the design, implementation, and evaluation of activities.
- Communication: Effectively communicates research findings with high significance for health or health equity (includes social and traditional media). Demonstrates excellence in synthesizing scientific content and in disseminating evidence from population health science on topical issues in health or health equity to practice/policy audiences
- Impact: Demonstrates evidence of impact on practice or policy that should yield community or population health or health equity improvement
The award will be given to at least one population health scientist or practitioner who must be a member of IAPHS – either to that individual or on behalf of the organization. Awardees may hold academic or nonacademic positions. For awards recognizing collaborations, the award will be made jointly to the scientist(s) and the collaborating group or individuals.
Materials:
Applicants may self-nominate OR be nominated by another person.
The application will contain the following information:
- Description of the work (describe the issue being addressed, the initiative, and major goals and/or accomplishments, including how the effort advances population health equity and policy/systems/environmental change) – 2500 characters
- Collaboration: Describe the types and nature of collaboration and partnerships that were involved in carrying out the research. – 2500 characters
- Communication: Describe the ways in which the research was shared with participants and other stakeholders who were poised to translate the findings to action. – 2500 characters
Award Recognition:
One award of $3000 will be made each year at the annual IAPHS conference.