Each year the Australian Centre for the Public Awareness of Science (CPAS) may offer a prize known as the Dr Elaine Miyoko Takenaka Prize for Science Communication.

The objective of the prize is to recognise the most outstanding thesis by a student studying a Masters level program at the CPAS.

The value of the prize awarded is $500 per annum.
The prize will offered annually in perpetuity.

Funding for this prize has been provided by Kellie Ann Aki Takenaka in memory of her mother, Elaine Miyoko Takenaka, who was an inspirational and distinguished educator for the State of Hawaii, as a teacher, curriculum specialist and facilitator of national programs.

Throughout her life, Elaine championed the power of education and its value in transforming lives, and it is in this spirit that the donor hopes to recognise students whose work also shares the ability to create opportunities and change lives for the better.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply, applicants must be: 

• a domestic or international student
• enrolled in a Masters program offered by the Australian Centre for the Public Awareness of Science

Selection & Constraints

The prize will be awarded to the student who submits the most outstanding thesis in a given year as shown by the highest marked thesis.

In the event two or more students have received an equal highest mark the award will be made to the student with the highest grade point average.

CPAS reserves the right to make no award if it considers there is no applicant of sufficient merit.

RECIPIENT OBLIGATIONS

A prize may be declined by the recipient once they have been notified as the prize winner. This must be provided in writing to The Australian Centre for the Public Awareness of Science no later than 30 days from notification. If the prize is accepted by the recipient, they agree to the publication of their name. The recipient may be asked to:

1) Write a letter of thanks to the donor;

2) Participate in marketing activities and/or asked to provide a reflective statement