The inaugural SSP EPIC Awards celebrate scholarly publishing innovation, collaboration, and creativity. From groundbreaking tools to transformative marketing campaigns, these awards recognize the individuals, teams, and organizations shaping the future of scholarly communication.
Submissions close on January 24, 2025! This is your chance to gain industry recognition and inspire the next generation of changemakers.
The Initiatives category honors impactful programs and training efforts that foster inclusivity, sustainability, and education within the scholarly publishing community. Whether driving change through DEIA initiatives, advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, or ensuring the continuity of student publications, these programs exemplify leadership and innovation.
Key Subcategories
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Implementation: Programs that advance the UN’s SDGs, such as promoting sustainability, reducing inequality, or enhancing education.
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, or Accessibility (DEIA) Initiatives: Efforts that foster equitable opportunities, improve accessibility, or support historically excluded groups in scholarly publishing.
- Publishing Education and Training Initiatives: Programs like workshops, mentorships, or certifications that build skills and knowledge in scholarly publishing.
- Student Publication Continuity Plan: Strategies developed by students to ensure the sustainability of their publications, focusing on leadership transitions, funding, or long-term planning.
Eligibility & Submission Details
Eligible initiatives must have launched or been ongoing between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2024. Programs can be resubmitted if still within the eligibility timeframe, though previous winners cannot resubmit the same initiative. Submissions should include:
- Overview: Describe the initiative’s purpose, audience, and goals, including strategies, timelines, and resources used.
- Impact Data: Share metrics on participation, feedback, or measurable improvements to demonstrate success.
- Samples: Submit digital copies of planning documents, strategies, or reports for insight into the initiative.
Optional materials like promotional content, photos, or videos can be included.
Judging Criteria
Entries will be evaluated on:
- Innovation and Creativity: Originality in the initiative’s approach and execution.
- Clarity and Effectiveness: Coherence of strategy, messaging, and outcomes.
- Scalability and Sustainability: Potential for broader adoption and long-term success.
- Impact: Measurable results in achieving goals and creating positive change, such as improved participation rates, feedback, or key metrics.
Don’t wait! Submit your entry by January 24, 2025, and join the innovators shaping scholarly publishing. Winners will be honored at the EPIC Awards Gala during the SSP Annual Meeting in Baltimore, MD, May 28–30, 2025.
Visit the SSP EPIC Awards page to get started today!
