July 15, 2002

Contact Information

SETI Institute Seeks Nominations for Drake Award

Mountain View, CA – Few scientists have fired the popular imagination like Dr. Frank Drake. To honor the pioneering spirit of the man often proclaimed the “Father of SETI,” last year the SETI Institute established an award in his name. The Institute now seeks nominations for the 2002 Frank Drake Award for Innovation in SETI and Life In the Universe Research. Formal notices inviting nominations have been distributed to over 150 universities and research organizations both nationally and abroad.

Scientists or outstanding students are eligible for the $5,000 (maximum) award, which is intended to recognize outstanding research or innovative student work in the fields of SETI and/or Life In The Universe. A panel of distinguished scientists appointed by the SETI Institute Board of Trustees will select the award-winner.

The award is named for Dr. Frank Drake, SETI Institute Board Chairman, in recognition of his life-long contributions to the search for life beyond Earth. From his work on Project Ozma – the first modern scientific search for intelligent life beyond Earth – to his current work in the new field of optical SETI, Drake’s research exemplifies the pioneering spirit essential to bold scientific explorations. Setting the benchmark for the future, the SETI Institute chose to honor Dr. Drake as the first recipient of the Drake Award in 2001.

The Drake Award is supported by private contributions to the SETI Institute in honor of the leadership and pioneering role of Dr. Frank Drake. The award winner will receive the cash prize (in the year of the Award), a plaque describing the nature of the qualifying work of the recipient, and an allowance for travel expenses to attend the presentation event.

Awards will be based both on past contributions and potential for future contributions of new knowledge to the body of scientific work focused on understanding the origin, nature, prevalence, and distribution of life in the universe, or the understanding of life’s development and evolution on Earth. The award may be given for experimental or theoretical achievements, for a single dramatic innovation, or for a series of research contributions.

All required nomination materials, including letters of support, must be submitted by
August 31, 2002 to be eligible for the 2002 Drake Award.

Complete award information including forms and instructions for nominating a Drake Award candidate may be obtained on-line at www.seti.org, or by contacting Karenlee Smith, nominations coordinator, (650) 961-6633.

Contact Information

Karen Randall
Director of Special Projects
(650) 960-4537
krandall@seti.org