The Sylvia Rowe Award for Excellence in Nutrition Science Communications honors a mid-career nutrition scientist, journalist, or other professional whose work has significantly advanced the quality, integrity, and impact of nutrition science communication. The award recognizes individuals who translate complex nutrition science clearly and responsibly for diverse audiences and who foster constructive, evidence-based dialogue across disciplines, sectors, and perspectives.
In the spirit of Sylvia Rowe’s leadership, the award also celebrates individuals who convene stakeholders to find common ground based in scientific evidence and who strengthen the field by mentoring and training the next generation of nutrition scientists in effective, credible science communication.
Eligibility
- Active member of the American Society for Nutrition
- Mid-career (approximately 10–25 years post-terminal degree; flexibility applied)
- Primary appointment in academia, government, industry, nonprofit, or science communication, related roles with a strong scientific foundation
- Demonstrated, sustained contributions to nutrition science communication
Award
- Two awards administered annually
- Each awardee receives
- $1, 500 honorarium, plaque, and ASN annual meeting registration
- Formal recognition at ASN annual meeting
Selection Criteria
Nominees will be evaluated based on excellence and impact across one or more of the following areas:
1. Translation of Nutrition Science: Clear, accurate communication of complex, emerging, evolving, or contested evidence, including appropriate treatment of uncertainty and limitations.
2. Reach and Impact: Demonstrated influence on scientific discourse, professional practice, policy discussions, media narratives, or public understanding.
3. Convening and Dialogue: Ability to bring together individuals or groups with differing perspectives to engage in constructive, science-driven dialogue; clarify areas of agreement and disagreement; and advance understanding or decision-making grounded in evidence.
4. Capacity Building and Mentorship: Training or mentoring students, fellows, or peers; development of workshops, curricula, or resources that strengthen science communication skills.
5. Integrity and Balance: Commitment to transparency, disclosure, and scientific rigor; credibility as a trusted and balanced voice in complex or high-stakes contexts.
Application Materials
- Nominee/Nominator Contact Information
- CV or Resume
- Letter of Support
- Personal Statement
- The personal statement has a 500-word limit and should explain why the nominee/applicant is a worthy candidate
- Work Samples (Materials that exemplify your science communication work (e.g., publications, media appearances, policy briefs, educational materials, social media content, or other relevant outputs)
- MP4
- Guidelines:
- Accepted format: MP4
- Recommended length: 1–5 minutes per video
- Ensure audio and video quality are clear
- Guidelines:
- Communication Uploads
- Guidelines:
- Accepted formats: Any file type
- Clearly label each file with your name and a brief title
- Ensure materials are concise and representative of your best work
- Guidelines:
- URLs
- Guidelines:
- Ensure all links are active and publicly accessible
- Include a brief description (1–2 sentences) explaining the content and your role
- Guidelines:
- MP4
About Sylvia Rowe
Sylvia Rowe is a respected leader in science-based communications covering a broad range of health, nutrition, and food topics. Sylvia’s career has been defined by the science to communications to policy continuum, to which she has brought clarity, integrity, and generosity of spirit. She is widely admired for her ability to translate complex issues for diverse audiences, including the public, and position messaging to ensure integrity while avoiding confusion. She is also known for her pivotal efforts to form partnerships—across disciplines, sectors, and viewpoints— that advance science and inform multisector audiences, often finding common ground on controversial topics. Through her leadership, mentorship, and example, Sylvia has helped shape how nutrition science is communicated and how constructive dialogue is fostered within the field.
