Sydney Prize is an award created to recognize those who make an impactful difference in society, whether that means community service, writing or art. Winners receive recognition and money as means to continue their work and inspire others. There are various kinds of Sydney prizes that each have its own set of criteria – there may even be different kinds within a prize category!
Sidney Awards recognize both writers and scientists for discoveries of great significance to humanity. This year’s Sydney Prize in chemistry went to an American scientist named Sidney Altman for discovering that RNA can act as a biocatalyst – something which will allow scientists to better understand how living cells work as well as have wide ranging ramifications for numerous fields.
The Sydney Prize honors leading global voices that advocate for peace, human rights, and nonviolence – such as Julian Burnside, Mary Robinson and Noam Chomsky. This year’s recipient is Black Lives Matter founded by Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza and Opal Tometi after Trayvon Martin was shot dead.
Sidney Prize is awarded annually and open to journalists. Nomination deadline for individuals’ pieces is the last day of each month; for magazine essays, submission must have appeared during that month.
Writing an essay that wins the Sydney Prize can be an exhilarating experience for young writers. It gives them the chance to showcase their skills and be recognized by professionals in their field. Overland magazine and the Neilma Sydney Foundation host this yearly prize, open worldwide. The winner receives $5,000 and their work published both online and in Overland magazine; runners-up each receive $1000 as prize money.
In 2022, Alexandra Michielsen and Khloe Lizardo won the Sidney Prize with essays that explored the significance of education reform in NSW and Australia. Both students credit this prize with helping build confidence, improve problem-solving abilities and gain awareness into their views and beliefs through writing an essay for this competition. They would encourage other students to enter in future competitions; both also thanked The Herald for supporting the prize competition.
