2009 Public Interest Awards
Call for Nominations

The Board for the Advancement of Psychology in the Public Interest invites nominations for the 2009 APA Public Interest Awards -- the APA Awards for Distinguished Contributions to Psychology in the Public Interest (senior career and early career categories) and the APA Award for Distinguished Contributions to Research in Public Policy.

Distinguished Contributions to Psychology in the Public Interest

The Committee on Public Interest Awards will select two individuals who have made distinguished contributions to the Public Interest which advance psychology as a science and/or a profession. One award is reserved to honor a psychologist involved in public interest endeavors who is 15 or fewer years beyond receipt of the doctorate. Award criteria include the identification or solution of significant social problems, unusual initiative or dedication in activities meeting client or community needs, or the advancement of human justice related to the provision of psychological services or science.

Distinguished Contributions to Research in Public Policy

This award will be given to a psychologist who has made a distinguished empirical and/or theoretical contribution to research in public policy, either through a single extraordinary achievement or a lifetime of work. The contribution may consist of such factors as research leading others to view specific national policies differently; research demonstrating the importance of the application of psychological methods and theory to public policy; or research clarifying the ways scientific knowledge or human behavior informs public policy.

Each award includes an honoraria of $1,000, the opportunity to present an invited address at the 2009 APA Convention in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and to submit a paper based on that address to the American Psychologist, waiver of 2009 convention registration fees, and reimbursement of up to $1,000 in expenses related to attendance at the 2009 convention.

Nominations must be submitted with a supporting statement of 500 words or fewer, a current vita, and letters of support from at least 3 people familiar with the nominee's work. Nominees may also submit 3-5 selected representative reprints, or alternative types of samples of work such as videotapes, audiotapes, internet based communications, or legal briefs. Nominations and supporting material should be sent to:

Ms. Donnie Graham
APA Public Interest Directorate
750 First Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20002-4242

The deadline for receipt of this information is June 2, 2008.

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