IPCD Innovator Award
This award celebrates outstanding individuals or teams who have demonstrated the innovative and practical application of psychology within their practice. Entrants are expected to showcase how their work has advanced psychological practices, particularly through innovative solutions that address real-world challenges.
Judges will assess submissions based on a range of criteria, including the integration of evidence-based psychological principles, and also align with the BPS's core values: respect, competence, responsibility, and integrity.
This award will likely be made to a psychologist at the mid to late-career stage; nevertheless, we encourage applicants of all levels of post-graduation experience to apply. 
​
The deadline for nominations is Friday 15th November 2024 at 11:59pm GST.
Nomination Criteria
Nominees for the Innovator Award should be: 
-
Presenters at IPCD 2025
-
We understand that applications to present at IPCD 2025 are still open. Applications for the Innovator Award will be shortlisted once submissions for IPCD 2025 are accepted.
-
-
Current researchers or practitioners in any area of professional applied psychology. 
​
Nominations can be made based on the following criteria:
-
Must complete an application form to show how the candidate meets the criteria. 
-
Should assume that the judges have no prior knowledge of the person and project and provide clear information and evidence of how they meet the criteria. 
-
Where the work is carried out as part of a team, it should be made clear what the individual contributed and how this differed from others. 
-
All submissions should pertain to work that has been carried out in, or that has included activity in the GCC or wider MENA region.
-
The work described must have taken place in the preceding 12 months
Assessment Guidelines
The Innovator Award celebrates those who, while pushing the boundaries of applied psychology, do so with a deep commitment to sound methodological rigor and ethical principles, benefiting both the profession and the broader community.
Entrants are encouraged to clearly articulate aspects of their practice that showcase why they should be considered ‘an innovator’ in their field.
​
Submissions will be assessed in the following three areas:
​
Part 1: Practice Overview
Entrants should describe how their work is grounded in the informed application of evidence-based principles within their professional field. This may include demonstrating the use of validated models, relevant intellectual property, tested theories, or established concepts that have been applied effectively in real-world settings.
​
Part 2: Skills in Practice
Effective practice often involves a range of professional skills, including problem-solving, advising, diagnosing, designing, implementing, and evaluating interventions. Entrants should outline their approach to these tasks, referencing best practices that align with their professional standards and demonstrating how these skills contribute to their excellence.
​
Part 3: Advocacy and Leadership in the Field
Entrants are invited to describe how they have gone beyond the immediate scope of their projects to promote, advocate for, and advance their field. This could include raising awareness, mentoring others, enhancing access, promoting equity, diversity and inclusion, or leading initiatives that contribute to the development and recognition of their discipline.
Nominator Requirements
Making a Nomination for the Innovator Award - Nominator Requirements
​
-
Application Form: Complete the application form at the end of the abstract submission portal to demonstrate how the candidate meets the award criteria.
-
Referee Information:
-
Self-Nominating: Provide 2 referees.
-
Nominating Another: Provide 1 referee.
-
Referees should have knowledge of the nominee’s contributions and can be colleagues, supervisors, clients, or collaborators.
-
Submission Guidelines
-
Clarity: Assume judges have no prior knowledge of the nominee. Clearly outline how the nominee meets the criteria.
-
Team Contributions: If applicable, specify the individual’s unique contributions within a team context.
Additional Notes for Consultants
-
Obtain written consent from the client organization before submitting the entry form.
-
Clarify intellectual property rights with clients prior to submission.
Confidentiality Assurance
-
Names of non-shortlisted companies, organizations, or individuals will not be published, and submitted information will remain confidential if not successful.