Aims, Conditions and Instructions
In order to stimulate high-quality scientific research regarding problems inherent to overseas regions, the Royal Academy for Overseas Sciences (RAOS) organizes yearly competitions.
1. Writing the questions and submitting the works
a. Every year, each Section of the Academy puts one question forward on specific subjects. In its February meeting, each Section sets the theme on which the question will be focused and appoints two members in charge of writing it. In its March meeting, each Section approves the final text of the question. Each question should be worded as broadly as possible in order to generate a real competition.
b. The competition is open to all scientists worldwide without any age restriction. Academy members are not allowed to take part.
c. Each award-winning work in the yearly competition is granted a cash prize (2,500 EUR).
d. The work submitted to the Academy’s yearly competition should be an original and recent (max. five years old) scientific manuscript: a PhD thesis or a work of at least the same level. Submitting a work to yearly competition implies that the potential laureate subscribes to the conditions linked to the acceptance of the prize.
e. Only the works written in English, French, Dutch, German and Spanish will be taken into consideration by the Academy.
f. The authors of works intended for the competition may remain anonymous. In this case, they should add to their submission a sealed envelope containing their name and address and bearing a distinctive sign or motto reproduced at the beginning of their work. This envelope is opened after awarding the prize.
g. The works submitted to the competition should reach the Academy’s secretariat by 1 March of the year following that of the announcement of the question: five paper documents and an electronic version. For the candidates from overseas countries (developing and emerging countries) three paper copies and one electronic document will do. Candidates will enclose in their request an abstract of maximum 1,200 words and a curriculum vitae.
2. Assessment of the works submitted
a. In their March meeting, each Section will appoint three readers in charge of reviewing the works submitted and making a report of them before the Section.
b. The prize is awarded by the Section concerned in May after reading and approving of the reviewers’report. The author of the award-winning work will be conferred the title of “Prizewinner of the Royal Academy for Overseas Sciences”.
c. If the Section decides that awarding a prize is not justified, an honourable mention may be given. This distinction does not give the recipient the right to use the title of prizewinner of the Academy.
d. After awarding the prizes, the works remain at the Academy’s secretariat where they are made available to members.