About the prize
It was created in 1951 following a donation from Mr Bijoyanand Patnaik, Founder and President of the Kalinga Foundation Trust in India. The prize is awarded biennially.
Purpose
The Kalinga Prize rewards the contribution of an individual, institution, non-governmental organization (NGO) or other entity that has made a significant contribution to the popularization of science or technology and has helped interpret science and technology for the public and contributed to bridging the gap between science and society. This science popularization can include all forms of media communication.
The individual/institution/NGO is expected to be knowledgeable of the role of science, technology and general research in the improvement of the public welfare, the enrichment of the cultural heritage of nations and solutions to the current global challenges.
Donors
The Prize is funded by the , the , and the Government of India ().
Award
The award consists of a cheque for the amount of the prize US$40,000, an award certificate, and the UNESCO-Albert Einstein silver medal. The laureate will also receive the Kalinga Chair as established by the Government of India (Department of Science and Technology) which comprises a certificate and cash award of US$5,000.
The laureate will be invited to travel to India (travel and accommodation will be provided by the Government of India), for a two to four-week tour to interact with scientists and science communicators.
The Prize-winner will be provided with appropriate facilities to familiarize herself/himself with Indian life and culture, Indian research and educational institutions, and the development of India’s industry and economy. The laureate will also be invited to visit Indian universities, and attend meetings within India’s scientific societies, particularly those of the Indian Science Congress Association.
While in India, the Prize-winner will be asked to deliver lectures in English, and to take part in meetings in order to present recent progress in science and technology as well as the social, cultural and educational impacts of modern science.
