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Celebrate Conservation Heroes

Indianapolis Prize Nominations

Indianapolis Prize nominations will reopen in June of 2025.

The Indianapolis Prize

Who Qualifies?

An individual must have accomplished an achievement or series of achievements that have resulted in a demonstrable, positive impact on an animal species or group of species that improved long-term survival. Consideration will be given to various aspects, including challenges overcome, quality of science involved and measurable outcomes resulting from work. The impact of achievements under consideration must be clearly recognizable when evaluated by the Nominating Committee and Jury.

The Judging Process

Nomination Criteria

The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the sustainability of an animal species or group of species. The following information details the criteria needed to nominate an individual. To be nominated, applicants must have accomplished an individual achievement or series of achievements that have resulted in a demonstrable positive impact on an animal species or group of species that is likely to improve long-term sustainability. The impact of achievements under consideration must be clearly recognizable when evaluated by the Nominating Committee and Jury*. Consideration will be given to:

  • The challenges overcome by the individual in the pursuit of his or her achievement.
  • The significance of the achievement or achievements in the conservation of an animal species or multiple species.
  • The measurable outcomes resulting from the individual’s work.
  • The quality of any science involved.
  • The number of years the individual has dedicated to the aspect of conservation work under evaluation. This includes consideration of any fieldwork which the individual has participated in or led, although fieldwork is not a specified requirement. Please note that length of career is not the primary criteria.
  • The unselfish dedication to conservation work that the individual has demonstrated throughout his or her career.
  • Any cooperation the individual has demonstrated with zoological and other like-minded conservation organizations, particularly those for which the individual does not work.
Restrictions

Nominations are open to anyone with knowledge of an individual whose work has had a great impact upon a species or group of species that can be measured over time. Their work must demonstrate the improvement in long-term sustainability was the result of direct and specific actions of the applicant.

  • Nominees must be individual living persons, not an organization, program or group of individuals.
  • If selected as the Winner of the Indianapolis Prize, the individual must agree to participate in activities scheduled to take place in Indianapolis, Indiana, the week of the gala. Transportation and lodging will be covered by the Indianapolis Zoological Society, Inc.
  • If selected as one of the five (5) Indianapolis Prize DeHaan Finalists, the individual must agree to participate in activities scheduled to take place in Indianapolis, Indiana, the week of the gala. Transportation and lodging will be covered by the Indianapolis Zoological Society, Inc.
  • Nominees must agree that, if selected as a Winner or DeHaan Finalist, they will reasonably assist in the obtaining of necessary permissions to use materials reflective of their work on Indianapolis Zoo grounds, and they will assist as necessary in the production of media and materials required to present a synopsis of their work at the Indianapolis Prize Gala.
  • Nominees may not be employees, Board Members, or volunteer staff of the Indianapolis Zoological Society, Inc. Immediate family members or significant others of the Nominating Committee, Jury, Indianapolis Zoological Society employees, Board Members, and volunteer staff are also ineligible.
  • A Nominee is limited to being named a DeHaan Finalist three times during the four most recent Prize cycles. When the maximum has been reached, he or she may not be nominated for the next two consecutive Prize cycles.
Nominating Committee & Jury

The Indianapolis Prize Nominating Committee and Jury each consist of eight to nine different individuals, from across the globe, who are representative of the scientific and conservation sector, the Indianapolis community and the Indianapolis Zoological Society, Inc. At the close of the nomination period, all applications are reviewed for completeness and qualification requirements by the Indianapolis Prize Steering Committee. Once the applicant list is final the Nominating Committee begins the first round of discussion. In closed deliberation, Nomination Committee members have roughly three months to thoughtfully review the materials and determine the six individuals who will advance to the level of DeHaan Finalist. Once chosen the Jury then analyses the six DeHaan Finalists’ work, in a second closed deliberation spanning three months, to select the award recipient. The Nominating Committee and the Jury utilize the following criteria to give thorough consideration to the nominee’s scientific impact and sustainable conservation methods:

  • The significance of an achievement or achievements in the conservation of an animal species or multiple species;
  • The measurable outcomes resulting from the Nominee’s work;
  • The quality of science involved;
  • The number of years the individual has dedicated to the aspect of conservation work under evaluation;
  • The unselfish dedication to conservation work that the individual has shown throughout his or her career;
  • The spirit of cooperation the individual has demonstrated with zoological and other like-minded conservation institutions, especially those not directly affiliated with any organization for which the Nominee works.

*Nominating Committee and Jury members change each Prize cycle.

2025 Indianapolis Prize Nominating Committee & Jury

Nominating Committee
Jury
snow leopard endangered species, sponsor the prize
Submit a Nomination

For complete guidelines and to learn more about the nominating process, send an email to nomination@indianapolisprize.org or call 317-630-2004.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can an organization be nominated for the Indianapolis Prize?

No, Nominees must be individual living persons.

Can you nominate yourself?

Yes, however, the stature of the nominator is considered when selecting DeHaan Finalists and Winners.

Is there an age restriction?

No, however, consideration is given to the number of years the Nominee has dedicated to the aspect of conservation work.

What kind of information should be included in a letter of support?

The stature of the author; the working relationship the author has with the Nominee; highlighting specific examples of how the Nominee’s work influenced conservation and aspects of the Nominee’s dedication to their work. The letters of support are important because they tell the Nominee’s story through the eyes of a peer.

Are more support letters important?

Letters provide judges with a variety of information and perspectives. It is best to submit up to four letters, if possible.

What is a measurable outcome?

Examples should be specific and can include things such as evidence of specific species population stabilization or increase, legislation written, educating and shifting community practices as well as protecting species specific habitat.

What should be included in an applicant’s supporting materials?

A detailed portfolio or a narrative of significant achievements (8 pages). May also submit up to three hyperlinks to videos, relevant media coverage, publications, website links to organizations or presentations. Compelling photos and visuals such as graphs and maps are also helpful. Inclusion of social media that correlates to the organizational affiliation is also helpful.

Do DeHaan Finalists and the Winner have to be present at the Gala?

Yes, they must be present.

Who serves on the Jury/Nominating committee?

The members change each year and are selected by the members of the Indianapolis Prize Steering Committee and approved by the Indianapolis Zoo’s executive committee. They represent broad-based leaders in conservation. There is also a representative from the Indianapolis community, the Indianapolis Zoo Board of Trustees and an Indianapolis Zoo staff member.

What type of communication will I receive from the committee once I submit an application?

For the Indianapolis Prize, anticipate receiving communication via email.

  • Check spam filters to ensure all emails from the Indianapolis Prize committee and Indianapolis Zoo staff are read in a timely fashion. For Indianapolis Prize candidates, ensure nominators also check spam folders for email correspondence from the Indianapolis Prize committee and Indianapolis Zoo staff.
Are there specifics you are looking for with regard to place of residence?

Please include the address where you receive the majority of your mail. The Indianapolis Prize Committee understands the nature of conservation work that might take Nominees to many areas the world.

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