Research organizations or individuals are encouraged to submit nominations detailing:

1. the policy issues under study
2. how the research strategy addressed the issues
3. all methods utilized to conduct the research
4. how the research shaped or influenced decisions, policy formulation or public discourse about it
5. assessment of how the resulting policy, practice or decision was informed by the research or how the research had an impact on the quality of public debate.

The nominations should come in the form of case studies. There is no one "set" formula or format for these submissions. Since there is a time lag between completion of studies and demonstrated policy impact, this award does not specify a time frame for study completion. Generally, we expect that studies will have been completed in the past five years or so.

Entries will be evaluated by a committee chaired by AAPOR's Past President, who will be responsible for appointing four additional jury members, subject to approval by the AAPOR Council. The Award may not be given every year.

Detailed information on submitting nominations is posted in November.