What is a Sidney Prize?

A Sidney Prize is an award given in recognition of those who do good, be it in the form of cash or trophies. There are many types of Sidney prizes, so it is essential that applicants know about them all before applying. A sidney prize for physics could go to anyone contributing to cultural, artistic or humanistic dimensions within this discipline – or to someone making an impactful difference within their community or world at large.

Sydney Prize winners must not only accept monetary awards but also promote science in some way – through public education on relevant scientific issues or creating groundbreaking technologies that benefit humanity. Last year’s Sydney Prize went to journalist Amanda Hess for her article on online sexism which proved an effective way of sparking public interest in science.

The Sydney Prize, established by the National Association of Scholars to honor philosopher Sidney Hook, is presented at every three year conference and awarded to an Phi Beta Kappa member who has demonstrated outstanding national distinction in scholarship, undergraduate teaching, or leadership in supporting liberal arts education.

Every year, the Sydney Film Festival awards filmmakers for their outstanding work. One such award is given out each year – The Sydney Film Festival Award for Best Australian Documentary is given out annually; other prizes at this year’s festival include Event Cinemas Rising Talent Award given out annually for outstanding NSW-based practitioners of short filmmaking.

Sidney Edelstein Prize in Sydney recognizes outstanding scholarly works on the history of technology. This prize honors SHOT’s founder who donated funds in his name; its winner receives both a cash award of $3,000 and an accompanying plaque.

Annie Zhang has won the 2023 Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize with her story “Who Rattles the Night?,” published in Overland and featuring a young couple’s fear of ghosts haunting their house – an unnerving yet brilliant depiction of modern life. Other shortlisted stories were by Sheila Ngoc Pham and Madeleine Rebbechi.

The Sydney Peace Prize honors activists who work to advance women’s rights within their country. This year’s winner was Iranian-born actress and human rights advocate Nazanin Boniadi for her efforts in Iran promoting female rights. At an awards ceremony held at Sydney Town Hall she received this illustrious accolade crafted locally by Louise Olsen and Stephen Ormandy of Dinosaur Designs with each winner receiving their mesmerising swirl award which comes complete with a $60,000 cash prize!