Your proposal is by far the most important component of the Schweickart Prize application. The Schweickart Prize organization views this element as the key indication that the applicant understands the current state of their specific idea in regards to addressing impact risk and has developed an innovative solution or concept to materially advance this state.
It is important that the applicant understands that the Schweickart Prize values the impact potential of the proposal over the ability of the applicant to carry it out. There is no requirement that the winner execute their project or idea; most graduate students are not in a position to manifest such an impactful project. The intent is to generate and advocate for great ideas that the planetary defense community can now act upon. If the networking and access to key contacts resulting from winning the prize enables the winner’s ability to execute on the proposal, so much the better. But this is not a criteria for assessment of the application.
In light of this perspective, THINK BIG! It is great to base your proposal on your dissertation topic or active research; you know this work better than anyone. However, rather than summarizing this work in your proposal, extrapolate this work in scale and time. What will it mean in the future if applied fully across the globe? Think about recent advances in technology, policy or media that can be combined with your work. How does the combination create an even larger impact on the field? Alternatively, propose an idea that has nothing to do with your current focus. What do you perceive as a key gap in our understanding or capability to deal with an impending asteroid impact?
Most critically, make sure that your proposal speaks to the specific impact of your idea on planetary defense. An amazing technological improvement or legal framework will not be viewed favorably if the proposal does not explain its direct application to addressing the threat of an Earth impact by an asteroid.
Proposal Requirements
- The proposal must be submitted in English.
- It should be a maximum of 500 words; captions, links and/or references are not included in this word count.
- It may include graphics and links to materials that illustrate the concept.
- It must be received by the Schweickart Prize on or before March 5, 2025.
2025 Schweickart Prize Theme
To assist applicants in proposal idea generation, the Schweickart Prize team has established a theme for the 2025 version of the Prize. Please review our Schweickart Prize Theme statement when contemplating your proposal topic. But please understand that this theme should not be seen as a requirement per se. You are free to propose whatever idea excites you most about the future of planetary defense.