Sleep Science Communication Award 2026

About the Sleep Science Communication Award

Early career researchers, even those who are still completing their post graduate studies, who are attending Sleep DownUnder 2026 are invited to submit an entry to be considered for the 2026 Sleep Health Foundation’s Sleep Science Communication Award. The Award encourages entrants to translate the subject of their research into accessible language and consider its broader impact on the community. At the Sleep Health Foundation, we believe value in information relies on our ability to communicate it.

Eligibility

The Award is open to all early career researchers (from postgrad student up to 10 years post PhD) attending Sleep DownUnder 2026.

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 admin@sleephealthfoundation.org.au by 9am Monday 8 September 2026. 
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 29 September 2026. 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 AEST Monday 7 September 2026.
• 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 28 September 2026 and invite them to participate in the live event at Sleep DownUnder program in Brisbane.
• Live presentations take place on Saturday 14 November 2026 at 3.45pm-5.15pm AEST.

Judging criteria

Stage 1: Judging criteria

• Did the "press release" clearly describe the key results of the research, including brief overview of methodology, conclusions, 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 ton Saturday 14 November 2026.
• 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.‍