The High Energy Astrophysics Division of the American Astronomical Society (HEAD/AAS) is soliciting nominations and submissions for the 7th David N. Schramm Award.

The purpose of the Schramm Award is to recognize and stimulate distinguished writing on high-energy astrophysics in order to improve the general public’s understanding in and appreciation of this exciting field of research.

Applications must be received by November 1, 2009; articles for this award must have been published between January 15, 2008, and November 1, 2009. Please note that this year all forms of science reporting — including blogs, online-only articles, and other multimedia — will be considered. Three separate pieces from each author may be submitted. To receive information on how to apply for the Schramm Award, contact Megan Watzke at mwatzke@cfa.harvard.edu.

The award consists of a prize of $1,500 and a plaque containing a citation. The publisher of the winning work will receive a certificate honoring the publication in which the work appeared. The award is sponsored by HEAD/AAS, which will pay the winning author’s personal travel expenses so that the award can be received in person at the next HEAD meeting. A commitment to attend the HEAD meeting, which will be held March 1-4, 2010, on the Big Island of Hawaii, is strongly urged for the winner of the Schramm Award.

The entries will be judged by a committee of distinguished scientists and journalists selected by the Executive Committee of the HEAD/AAS. The results will be announced on January 15, 2010. The decision of this judging committee will be final.

David Schramm was a distinguished scientist who is widely regarded as the founder of the field of Particle Astrophysics, a discipline where cosmology and particle physics meet. High-energy astrophysics incorporates experimental and theoretical studies of high-energy photons and particles from the cosmos, including the disciplines of X-ray, gamma-ray and cosmic-ray astronomy.

Further information on the Schramm Award may be found at: http://www.aas.org/head/schramm/schramm.prize.html