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.