Frequently Asked Questions about "REvolutionaries: The Steve Sawyer Memorial Award"
Where can I find the application?
The application can be accessed here. We estimate that one hour will be required to complete the application, and recommend using a Chrome or Firefox browser for the optimal experience.
Applications open 22 April 2020, 12:00 CET, and will be accepted until 5 July 2020, 23:59 CET.
Do my activities need to focus on wind energy in particular?
The programme is focused on advancing wind and renewable energy deployment. As such, it welcomes applicants who work specifically on wind energy and/or renewable energy in general. There is no difference in weighting for either scenario during the judging process.
Is there an age restriction to apply?
The award supports young people working on the frontiers of the renewable energy revolution in developing countries. However, there is no strict definition of “young” for the purposes of application, and no weighting is assigned to age during the judging process.
Is English proficiency required to apply?
Due to Jury resources and the communications components of the prize, applicants are required to have a professional working proficiency of written and spoken English in order to be considered eligible.
The application should be submitted in English. While we can consider supplementary materials in other languages, we encourage applicants to provide English variations of materials to the extent possible.
Can organisations apply for the award?
The award is for individuals working in clean energy. We are not currently accepting applications on behalf of organisations.
When will I hear back on my application after it is submitted?
A confirmation email will be sent to all applicants upon submission. Applicants who successfully pass the first round should note that their references will be contacted in order for them to proceed to the finalist round.
In 2020, we estimate that references for finalist applicants will be contacted in mid-August and the winner will be notified by late August. Unsuccessful applicants will be informed by late August.
How is the winner selected?
Please review the eligibility guidelines. Eligible applications will undergo a comprehensive review process by a Jury composed of a group of individuals with deep insight into Steve’s personal and professional values. They collectively represent members of Steve’s family, GWEC, REN21 and Greenpeace.
Applications are judged on a point-based system, with up to 5 points awarded for each of the five Guiding Principles, for a potential total of 25 points. Applicants are also required to submit a short personal statement on their use of prize funds, which will be considered in the context of the entire application package, and will not be allocated points.
Following verification of references, a shortlist of finalists undergoes another round of judging on a point-based system. In the event of a tie, the Jury will determine the winner upon deliberation.
If my application is not successful, can I reapply in a subsequent year?
Yes, the programme welcomes returning applicants who were not successful in previous years. Please be sure to update your application before submitting your materials again.
What happens if I win the award?
You will be notified by a GWEC representative about your winning application, and we will discuss the considerations for communications, transfer of the monetary prize and logistics for the study component of the prize. Winners will be profiled on the GWEC website.
In 2020, the winner will be invited to speak at an award ceremony during an industry summit in Cape Town, South Africa, in November 2020.
Who manages the award?
The “REvolutionaries: The Steve Sawyer Memorial Award” program is managed by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC). GWEC is proud to be joined by REN21 as a Founding Partner of the award.
