Students are encouraged to apply for the 2025 year. Read below for eligibility requirements and preliminary application form.
The Schweickart Prize is awarded annually on International Asteroid Day as observed on June 30th to an exceptional graduate student or post-doc fellow for their innovative ideas and their potential for leadership in the advancement of planetary defense. Award applicants must submit a proposal for an innovative and original idea that, looking forward, would materially improve planetary defense capabilities in one or more areas that include asteroid impact prediction, impact mitigation, mitigation law and public policy development, and public outreach or education on planetary defense issues. The proposals are judged based on originality, implementability and likelihood to materially advance planetary defense.
The prize winning student or team will receive a prestigious museum-quality award, with an authenticated meteorite, symbolizing the existential nature of the award's purpose. In addition to the physical award, the winner will be granted a cash prize of $10,000 USD, and be given global exposure through a press campaign, ensuring widespread acknowledgment of their innovative ideas.