The search for the big names in the field of science education goes on as the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) extends the deadline for nominations for the 3rd Award for Leadership and Innovation for Development Relevant to Science Education or Gawad LIDER to February 15. 

DOST-SEI Director Dr. Filma G. Brawner said the extension was done to provide ample time for more nominations to come in. 

“We encourage our stakeholders in science education: policy makers, curriculum developers, teachers, mentors, and students to nominate the people who have inspired and transformed the way they look at science education. It is time that we express our gratitude to them by giving recognition to their contributions in science education,” she said. 

Up for grabs in the 3rd Gawad LIDER Awards are the Exemplary Leadership and Innovation Awards. 

The Exemplary Leadership Award is conferred to individuals and institutions that have consistently demonstrated leadership qualities leading to improvements in the field of education in the sciences which have generated nationwide impact. Two winners, one for Individual and another for Institution/Organization, will be awarded, each taking home P200,000 cash prize and a medal. 

Nominees to the Exemplary Leadership Award should have demonstrated sustained leadership capability through the conduct of a project with significant impact on education in the sciences. The project or program under their leadership should have been implemented for at least five years at the time of the competition. 

On the other hand, the Innovation Award is conferred to an individual or institution who has introduced a technology-based innovation that benefits education in the sciences. There will be two winners in this category, each receiving P100,000. 

Nominees to the Innovation Award should have successfully adopted the innovations with documented results. An innovation is defined as the development or enhancement of devices, equipment, gadgets, tools or products, processes, systems and procedures that have resulted in greater effectiveness and higher efficiency in teaching and learning in the sciences. 

Nomination forms for the Gawad LIDER Awards can be downloaded from the DOST-SEI (www.sei.dost.gov.ph), DOST Regional Offices and the DOST-SEI Main Office. 

Brawner said Gawad LIDER seeks to entice the future generations of science educators in the country to carry on the flag of shaping the future of science education in the Philippines. 

“Besides recognizing exemplary leadership and scientific and technological innovations to improve education in the sciences, it is our hope that by the example led by the winners of the Gawad LIDER, we would be able to inspire others to follow their footstep and effect change in the science education landscape,” she said. 

Awarding of the winners will be conducted during the celebration of the 2012 National Science and Technology Week in July. (30)