One of the main activities of the PRN is to encourage the development of future planning research capacity by recognising the achievements of young researchers and encouraging investment in knowledge and sharing of information. In order to realise this aim PRN has established an annual prize to be awarded to the best planning research paper produced by young researchers. This has resulted to the award of two papers by doctoral/ post-doctoral students, one in 2004 from Cardiff University and one in 2005 from Durham University.
In 2006, the intension is to promote wider participations by opening up the competition to all researchers. At the same time, it is intended to develop a tighter link between the focus of the prize paper and the current policy concerns. The topic for 2006 competition is:
‘The Role of Spatial Planning in Combating Climate Change’.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to enter the competition, the paper has to be:
• Written by researchers (including students) based in a UK research or consultancy institution.
• Of direct relevance to the role of spatial planning in combating climate change
• Research-based, providing an authoritative review of current thinking on a the subject, reporting on the findings of an original research into the topic, or making a theoretical contribution to the understanding of the role of spatial planning in tackling climate change
• Up-to-date, recently written and preferably unpublished; single or joint-authorship.
• Between 4000-6000 words with full bibliographical references
The Selection Criteria
The best paper will be selected on the basis of the extent to which it has achieved the following qualities:
• Relevance to topic in conceptual, policy or practice terms
• Clarity of understanding of the context and key debates
• Independent and creative thoughts and ideas
• Appropriate and accurate evidence
• Breadth and depth of coverage
• Logical and coherent arguments
• Clarity of expression, intelligibility of structure, lucidity of written style, appropriateness of presentation and adequacy of referencing system
The selection panel (Simin Davoudi's suggestions)
The panel members are:
• Representatives of the DCLG
• Simin Davoudi (PRN Co-ordinator)
• Jenny Crawford (RTPI Head of Knowledge and Research)
• Yvonne Rydin (PRN member, UCL)
Selection procedure
• All university departments with a planning and geography curriculum as well as major planning consultancy firms will be invited to nominate papers.
• Nominated papers will be reviewed anonymously and scored by the selection panel and against the criteria set out below.
• The winner will be contacted and invited to present the paper in one of PRN events
The Award
The author (s) of the best paper will be invited to:
• Present their paper at one of the PRN events
• Receive a certificate and the sum of £500
• Post their paper on the PRN website
• Submit their paper to be considered for publication in one of the planning Journals that are represented on PRN
Timetable for 2006 cycle
• Request for nominations: May 2006
• Deadline for submission of the papers: 25 August 2006
• Completion of the selection process: October 2006
• Presentation of the award: November / December 2006
Further Information
Simin Davoudi
Email: simin.davoudi@newcastle.ac.uk
