Nominations Open For 2025 John Maddox Prize for Promoting Evidence-Based Research
The search for truth and understanding is at the heart of scientific progress. However, in recent years, we have seen a rise in misinformation and attacks on evidence-based research. In order to combat this growing trend, there is a crucial need to recognize and honor scientists who have stood firm in defending scientific evidence and promoting its importance.
The John Maddox Prize is a prestigious international award that honors individuals who have shown great courage and dedication in promoting the use of sound science in the public domain. Named after the late Sir John Royden Maddox, a renowned science writer and editor, the prize aims to celebrate the legacy and values he embodied throughout his career.
Established in 2012, the John Maddox Prize recognizes two individuals each year – one from the natural sciences and one from social sciences – who have faced challenges to their work and have demonstrated exceptional scientific courage and integrity. Following the success of the past nine editions, the nominations for the 2025 John Maddox Prize are now open, once again giving us the opportunity to celebrate and honor those who have made remarkable contributions to evidence-based research.
As we move closer to 2025, the stakes have never been higher for promoting evidence-based research. The last few years have seen a dramatic increase in the rejection of scientific evidence in favor of pseudoscientific beliefs and opinions. This has led to consequences that not only undermine public trust in science but also threaten the well-being and safety of societies. In light of these challenges, the John Maddox Prize becomes even more relevant and crucial in recognizing and promoting the vital role of evidence-based research.
The prize is open to nominations from all around the world and is awarded to individuals who have been nominated by their peers, colleagues, or anyone else familiar with their work. Nominations are open to any individual who is actively engaged in scientific research, including academics, journalists, and scientists working for non-profit organizations. The nominee must have shown great courage in standing up for their work, defending their research against opposition, and promoting the crucial role of evidence-based research in shaping policies and decisions.
The prize receives nominations from a wide range of disciplines, including natural sciences, engineering, technology, economics, and social sciences, making it a truly inclusive and comprehensive recognition of scientific courage and integrity. The nominees are then judged by an expert panel, consisting of eminent scientists, journalists, and academics, who assess their contributions to science and the challenges they have faced in defending it.
The John Maddox Prize has become a highly coveted award in its short history, with past winners hailing from countries such as the United States, South Africa, Brazil, and the United Kingdom. The 2020 edition of the prize saw the award going to Dr. Tatsuyuki Takasu, a Japanese-based psychologist, and Professor Damián Refojo, a biochemist from Argentina, for their outstanding contributions to research and their unwavering defense of evidence-based science.
The recognition and prestige of the John Maddox Prize not only provide a platform to honor and celebrate the recipients but also to inspire and encourage future generations to stand up for evidence-based research. The prize is not just a monetary reward, but a symbol of hope and support for all those who continue to push through difficult circumstances to promote the crucial role of science in society.
In a world where science is constantly under attack, the John Maddox Prize serves as a reminder of the importance of evidence-based research and the individuals who dedicate their lives to it. As we look ahead to the 2025 edition of the prize, let us all take a moment to reflect on the outstanding contributions of scientists and researchers and the challenges they face, and nominate those who we believe are worthy recipients of this prestigious award.
In the words of Sir John Royden Maddox, “The best way to safeguard the truth is to live with it.” Let us all unite in celebrating the truth and promoting evidence-based research by nominating deserving individuals for the 2025 John Maddox Prize. Together, let us honor those who defend scientific evidence and continue to inspire future generations to do the same.
