Here we list a few questions that we are asked often. If you have additional questions, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Are there age limits for the Nominees?
A prize nominee should be in the early- to mid-stages of their career. Recognizing that there are institutional and regional variations in career pathways, the selection committee has defined an age limit of 50 years on the closing date of nomination. Only under exceptional circumstances (e.g. break in career due to maternity or paternity leave), will nominees over 50 years be considered – please contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you feel this is the case.
Nominees for the Tinker-Muse Prize should be at a point in their career at which they are highly likely to serve as future leaders in advancing our understanding of Antarctic science and/or policy. The goal is to recognize now the leaders of tomorrow, and enhance the impact of their leadership activities in their field, and more broadly in Antarctic science and policy.
Are self-nominations for the Prize allowed?
No - all nominations must be made by someone other than the nominee. Self-nominations will not be considered.
What criteria are used for assessing nominations and deciding on the winner?
There are a number of criteria on which nominees are assessed, covering their background and accomplishments, their leadership and potential for further development, their communication and outreach skills and achievements, and their contribution to international collaboration. See the selection criteria for information on each of the categories used in the evaluation process.
Will more awards be made in future years?
The Tinker Foundation has supported the Muse Prize since 2009 and a renewal for another five years is being prepared to extend the Prize beyond 2017.
If a nominee is not selected, can they be reconsidered?
Yes. Nomination packages for highly competitive candidates not selected for the Tinker-Muse Prize in a given year will be held for three years for possible consideration in subsequent years (provided the applicant is under 50 years of age in the following years). If a nomination is carried forward, the selection committee will specifically ask a nominator to submit a new cover letter and curriculum vitae and to update the nomination package with recent developments in the nominee’s career.
The selection committee may also feedback to nominators in cases where they feel a delay in resubmission would be of benefit, to allow the nomination to reflect further development and achievements of the nominee.
Detailed feedback is now provided to the nominator on their nominee’s evaluation. A nominator may consider this feedback and submit a new nomination package, provided the nominee meets the age limit criteria.