Applications now open for Critic and Conscience of Society Award

Applications are sought for the Critic and Conscience of Society Award, administered by Universities New Zealand. The Award will be presented at a special function in mid-2021 and will be accompanied by a cheque for $50,000, to be used by the recipient to assist with research, conferences and other work-related expenses.

The Education Act 1989 requires universities to act as the critic and conscience of society and the purpose of this Award is to encourage university staff to fulfil this role. Each year the Award is made to an academic staff member who, in the opinion of a panel of three independent judges, has done more in the past two calendar years than any other applicant to provide the public with independent, expert  commentary on an issue or issues affecting the New Zealand community or future generations. Winners of the Award will not be eligible to apply again until after five years have elapsed.

The Award is sponsored by The Gama Foundation.

It is not necessary to be nominated for the Award and you can obtain an application form here.

The closing date for applications was 28 February 2021.