Overview
We are delighted to announce the launch of the new ECO2025 Prize for Public Engagement & Science Communication, which aims to recognise early career researcher demonstrating excellence in communicating obesity-related research. This includes engagement with the patient community, the media, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the general public. This new initiative highlights efforts to translate complex scientific findings into clear, engaging, and evidence-based information that enhances public understanding and influences policy. Applications must be directly linked to research accepted for oral or poster presentation at ECO2025 and must focus on the public engagement aspect of that same research.

Prize

• Announced at the ECO2025 Closing Ceremony on 14 May 2025
• Winner receives a certificate, a Development Grant of €3,000 for relevant training (e.g., leadership programs, public engagement workshops), and an ECO2026 Travel Grant

Eli Lilly & Company has provided support to the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) for this Prize. Eli Lilly & Company has had no influence over prize selection.

Eligibility

• Open to early career researchers in any area of obesity research who are eligible members of the EASO Early Career Network (ECN). The ECN eligibility criteria and registration form can be found here
• Applicants must directly link to research presented at ECO2025
• The application must demonstrate a clear focus on public engagement, science communication, or knowledge translation in relation to the research being presented at ECO2025

Award Process
Application
Submit a written application, including:

• The accepted ECO2025 research abstract
• 250-word summary outlining the research and its public engagement impact
• 250-word statement explain how the research engages diverse audiences and contributes to science communication

Application Deadline: 27 April 2025

Assessment Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Clarity and accessibility of communication
• Public engagement impact
• Innovation in communication methods
• Potential to influence public awareness or policy

The EASO ECN Board will review all applications and select the winner based on the overall strength of their alignment with these criteria.

Benefits of the Prize

• Increases visibility within the obesity research community and supports career development
• Recognises outstanding public engagement efforts
• Provides networking opportunities with key opinion leaders and media representatives
• The winner will be featured on the ECO2025 platform, EASO website, newsletters, and social media

APPLICATION FORM