NAMES is pleased to announce the launch of the Mijbil Almutawa Award Program (MAAP). The Award is granted on annual basis and covers the expenses of one individual to attend either NAMES Biennial Conference or the EMME Summer School, depending on the year. The winner of the Annual Award receives the following:
- USD 1000 (in the form of participation fees, roundtrip air ticket, and accommodation expenses); stipend is disbursed upon timely submission of all original receipts and required forms.
- Certificate and Souvenir.
Eligibility
Individuals who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply to the program:
- A full-time, non-management, staff member of a science center or museum within the NAMES region for at least two years;
- Younger than 30 years old;
- Not a previous winner of the award.
How to Apply
*Please make sure to read the Terms and Conditions below.
Science Centers or Museums within the NAMES region may submit a nomination for one of its employees; each nominating institution is limited to one application per year. Applicants are required to:
a) Complete the Application Form posted on NAMES website and send it to namesnetwork@bibalex.org;
b) Include CV and a 300-500 word Nomination Letter signed by the institution’s Chief Executive Officer, Board Chairperson, or equivalent.
*Deadline for application is Thursday, 20 July 2017.
Late Mijbil Almutawa, former Vice-Chairman and CEO of The Scientific Center of Kuwait (TSCK), founding member of the North Africa and Middle East Science centers network (NAMES), and its second President (2010-14), contributed significantly to the establishment and development of NAMES, as well as to the Science Center field as a whole during his decades-long tenure with TSCK.
Mr. Almutawa was an unequivocal source of inspiration and a tremendous support to both his TSCK Team, even before the Center opened to the public in 2000, as well as to NAMES Executive Team throughout its first ten years of existence. His presence in NAMES will be forever profoundly missed; yet, his legacy will persevere.
One significant aspect of Mr. Almutawa’s legacy was the support of youth; as such, it would be fitting to honor his achievements and contributions to the Science Center field, through an Award Program that supports Young Science Center Professionals.
Selection
With the assistance of NAMES Secretariat Office, a 3-member panel of reviewers elected by NAMES BoD on biennial basis reviews received applications to filter and shortlist nominees. NAMES BoD votes to select the winner based on the applicant’s long-term vision of himself/herself in the science center field, and is at a place career-wise where he/she will benefit from this experience.
- All decisions of NAMES BoD in regards to winners are final, including the decision not to choose an award recipient in any given year;
- Ties are not acceptable and both the Reviewing Panel and NAMES BoD have to agree on a clear winner or none at all, noting that staff of NAMES Member Institutions have priority in case of a tie.
Jury
- Donors are invited to participate in the Reviewing Panel should they wish to;
- Jury members may be reelected by NAMES BoD with no term limits.
Ceremony
- During NAMES Biennial Conference or the EMME Summer School
Terms and Conditions
- The award cannot be transferred to cash if the winner cannot attend and benefit from the award;
- The awards cannot be transferred to another person or entity;
- The winner commits to attending to full term of the awarded Summer School or Conference and will submit a full report based on the template provided within 30 days of attendance;
- The winner signs a commitment letter and so does the institution he/she represents that, in case of default, they will reimburse NAMES for accrued costs;
- The winner commits to submitting receipts, boarding passes, and evidence of travel in due time;
- In case the winner is unable to attend the Conference or EMME and notifies NAMES Secretariat Office in advance, NAMES BoD may approach the runner-up to benefit from the award instead.