User:Nederlandse Leeuw/Skeptic prizes

This is a list of skeptic prizes in different categories that are awarded regularly, occasionally, or can be won under certain circumstances.

Prizes for evidence of the paranormal
The quest for finding scientifically verifiable and falsifiable reliable evidence of purported paranormal phenomena is one of main raisons d'être of the skeptical movement. Over the centuries, many individuals have claimed to possess extraordinary abilities, or that certain phenomena exist that are not natural, or have no naturalistic or scientific explanation. Yet, according to skeptics, none has been able to prove the veracity of these claims under controlled conditions to ascertain they are not mistaken or fraudulent. To encourage claimants into participating in controlled experiments to provide evidence for what they say, skeptics have put out financial rewards as far back as 1922, the most famous being the One Million Dollar Paranormal Challenge of the James Randi Educational Foundation. Nowadays, most skeptical organisations in the world offer such a monetary prize for anyone who is able to have their paranormal claims successfully tested.

Prizes praising skeptical efforts

 * Socrates Prize - Skepsis ry - is given annually to a person or an organization who has actively promoted rational thinking or public understanding of science.
 * Journalism and Critical Thinking Prize - Círculo Escéptico - It is annually awarded to whoever has encouraged critical thinking and scientific skepticism in the Spanish media the most. In 2016, the first prize was awarded posthumously to José Carlos Pérez Cobo.
 * Premio Mario Bohoslavski - ARP-SAPC - Annually granted to people outside the association who have distinguished themselves by promoting the development of science, critical thinking, scientific communication and education, and the use of reason.
 * The Thornett Award for the Promotion of Reason (The Fred) - Australian Skeptics - award includes a $1000 cash prize that is given to the recipient or to a charity or cause of their choice. It is awarded annually to a member of the public or a public figure who has made a significant contribution to educating or informing the public regarding issues of science and reason.
 * The Australian Museum Eureka Awards is a series of annual awards presented by the Australian Museum in partnership with their sponsors, for excellence in various fields. Until 2005 the Australian Skeptics were major sponsors of the award for critical thinking.
 * The Skeptic of the Year award - Australian Skeptics - is given annually to someone associated with the skeptical community who has been particularly active over the previous year. ASI coordinates the prize, and the final decision is voted on by representatives from the various Australian Skeptics groups.
 * the Skeptic of the Year award - NZ Skeptics - (created in 2014).
 * the 'Bravo Awards' - NZ Skeptics - for "critical thinking in the public arena",
 * Prémio COMCEPT - COMCEPT - Awarded on very special occasions to someone who has done exceptionally well in furthering critical thinking and science in Portugal.
 * Golden Eagle - Good Thinking Society - To the MPs 'who have stood up for science and rationalism in Parliament. The prize is £500 for each MP to donate to a science-friendly charity of their choice.'(only 2013)
 * Emperor Has No Clothes Award - Freedom From Religion Foundation - Awarded annually, often to multiple people. "An award celebrating “plain speaking” on the shortcomings of religion."
 * Skeptical Magnifying Glass (Lupa Escéptica) - ARP-SAPC - Acknowledging outstanding work by one of their own members.

Ironic awards
In skepticism, ironic awards are usually given annually to individuals or groups that have expressed or promoted exceptionally uncritical thinking, pseudoscience or misconceptions, or are (indirectly) held responsible for causing harm to the public.

Thesis prizes

 * Thesisprijs - SKEPP - Occasionally (3 times so far). "A prize worth 1,000 euros for the best student thesis in which pseudoscience, the paranormal and similar topics are critically examined."
 * Thesisprijs - De Vrije Gedachte