Sleep Science Communication Award 2025

What is the Sleep Science Communication Award?

Early career researchers, even those who are still completing their post graduate studies, who are attending Sleep DownUnder 2025 are invited to submit an entry to be considered for the 2025 Sleep Health Foundation’s Sleep Science Communication Award.  

We are looking for people to submit a 250-word brief mock press release about their research. Then if selected the next phase is to give a 5-minute pitch of their research and how they could see their research being translated into practice and enable it to have a positive impact on society. This will be held at Sleep DownUnder 2025 at a symposium on Saturday 11 October at 1.30pm-3.00pm AEDT. It could be in the form of a TED-talk type of presentation or a short video or animation to convey the main messages of their research topic - whatever suits best! Anything that is aimed at the general public and not a scientific audience is acceptable. 

Eligibility

The Award is open to all early career researchers (from postgrad student up to 10 years post PhD) attending Sleep DownUnder 2025.

Entry process

Entry involves a two-stage process: 

1. Entrants submit a simple written mock ‘press release’ (max 250 words) to highlight their research and how it could make a positive impact. Entries will be judged by how effectively they communicate their research and its potential impact (see judging criteria below). Submissions to be sent to ceo@sleephealthfoundation.org.au by 9am Monday 11 August 2025. This is day one of Sleep Health Week.
2. Up to five finalists will be chosen from this initial stage to take part in the event and will be notified via email from the Sleep Health Foundation by Monday 1 September 2025. The five finalists will be invited to ‘pitch’ their research and how they predict their findings could be translated into significant and positive impacts on society as a whole. This pitch will be allocated as a 5-minute maximum session. This pitch can be a simple presentation, a slide show, or even a short video. The finalist can be creative about how they want to best represent themselves (see judging criteria below). 

Timeline

• Submission are due by 9am Monday 11 August 2025.
• SHF to identify up to five finalists according to the highest scores based on the judging criteria rubric below.
• SHF to notify the finalists on Monday 1 September 2025 and invite them to participate in the live event at the Sleep DownUnder program on Saturday 11 October at 1.30pm-3pm.

Judging criteria

Stage 1: Judging criteria

• Did the "press release" clearly describe the key results of the research, including brief overview of methodology, condlusions, outcomes and implications?
• Was the "press release" written well; was it clear, legible, in plain language, concise and within the 250-word limit?
• Did the "press release" provide a clear description of how this research will potentially contribute to our society?
• Has the researcher been convincing about the promise of their science and how their findings might make a significant difference to society

Stage 2: Judging criteria (for the finalists selected to present at Sleep DownUnder on Saturday 11 October at 1.30-3pm)

• Was the "pitch" topic, key results, research significance, outcomes and impact communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
• Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience's attention, i.e. Was there demonstrated engagement from the audience and was it entertaining and creative?
• How convincing was the researcher's pitch on the potential delivery on the promise of their science? This is, how convinced are you that the outlined implications are possible?
• How highly did you rate the finalist's description of the need for this research, and its potential promised impact on society, compared to all other entries?

Winners announced

• All participants will receive an email thanking them for their entry and notifying them of whether they have been selected to take part in the Sleep Health Foundation Sleep Science Communication Award even on Saturday 1 October 2025.
• The winners will be announced live at the conclusion of the event.
• First place will receive a cash prize of $350, and runner up will receive a cash prize of $150.

Please email questions to Moira Junge via ceo@sleephealthfoundation.org.au.

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Meet the finalists!

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‍Orly Atzmon

Orly is a clinical psychology PhD candidate with a passion for helping people improve their wellbeing through evidence-based practice. This passion led her to focus her research on insomnia in the perinatal period, particularly the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) and exploring the barriers and facilitators to implementing it within perinatal care. Outside of psychology and sleep research, Orly enjoys exercising, walking her dog, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

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‍Kasey Fullwood

Kasey Fullwood is a PhD candidate with the Kids Sleep Medicine Group, based at the Child Health Research Centre at the University of Queensland. Her research focuses on the development of evidence-based behavioural interventions for the management of sleep disorders in children with neuro disabilities and complex medical conditions. With specialised knowledge in paediatric sleep disorders, she has a particular interest in tailoring sleep treatment approaches for children with multifaceted health and behavioural needs. 

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‍Vanika Lall

Vanika Lall is a final-year PhD candidate at the university of Western Australia. Her research examines the mechanisms of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (cbt-i) that may contribute to better depression outcomes in individuals experiencing both insomnia and depression.  In particular, she investigates whether changes in various sleep indices, general repetitive negative thinking, sleep-related repetitive negative thinking, and engagement in everyday meaningful activities can help explain how cbt-i alleviates depressive symptoms. Vanika is passionate about emphasising the role of sleep treatment in enhancing overall mental health outcomes and supporting long-term depression recovery.

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‍Zohreh Sajadi Hezaveh

Zohreh Sajadi Hezaveh is a PhD student and recipient of the RTP scholarship at the university of sydney. Her research explores the impact of meal timing on sleep and metabolic health, under the supervision of dr. Chin moi chow. She integrates clinical and public health perspectives to develop chronobiology-informed lifestyle strategies

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Dr Luis Mascaro is a research fellow, assistant lecturer, and registered psychologist. Luis’s research is based out of the ‘Sleep and Performance’ Research Lab at Monash University. His research seeks to answer novel questions about athlete sleep and circadian rhythms, with a particular commitment to supporting athlete well-being and advancing research that supports women in sport. Luis is dedicated to evidence-based practice and hopes that his work as a scientist-practitioner will contribute to better outcomes in the broader community.

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