The Global Association of Applied Behavioural Scientists

GAABS Awards

The GAABS Awards Programme recognises examples of high-quality applied behavioural science and highlights the wealth of skills and creativity that exist within our membership community.

  • Member Awards
    These awards are conferred during the first half of each year.
    Each year, member awards are judged by a different expert from the Behavioural Science arena.

  • Behavioural Science Book Award and Behavioural Science Podcast Award
    These awards are conferred during the second half of each year, typically during late November or early December.
    Books and Podcasts are submitted for consideration by member nomination.
    Awards are conferred based on a public vote based on outcome of the member nomination and Board review process.

Book & Podcast Awards

GAABS Book Award

Awarded annually to a book that makes an outstanding contribution to the field of applied behavioural science.

Eligibility

  • Published within the last 2 years.

  • Written in English (translations considered if accessible to GAABS reviewers).

  • Authored or co-authored by a scholar, practitioner, or team working in, or closely aligned to, applied behavioural science.

GAABS Podcast Award

Awarded annually to a podcast that exemplifies excellence in communicating and applying behavioural science to a broad audience.

Eligibility

  • Active podcast with at least 3 published episodes in the last 12 months, or 6 published episodes in the last 24 months.

  • Produced in English (or with reliable English translation/transcription).

  • Independent or institutional productions are both eligible.

Criteria

  1. Scientific and Professional Integrity – The book demonstrates accuracy, transparency, and alignment with GAABS Purpose and Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct.

  2. Contribution to Knowledge – Advances understanding of behavioural science theory, methods, or application.

  3. Practical Relevance – Shows clear implications for application to practice, policy, or societal challenges.

  4. Clarity and Accessibility – Communicates behavioural science effectively to its intended audience (academic, practitioner, or public).

  5. Innovation – Introduces novel insights, frameworks, or approaches.

  6. Impact – Demonstrable influence on practice, debate, or the broader behavioural science community.

Criteria

  1. Accuracy – Presents behavioural science knowledge and principles responsibly, avoiding exaggeration or misinformation.

  2. Engagement and Accessibility – Makes behavioural science engaging, relatable, applicable and understandable to a wide audience.

  3. Relevance to Practice – Clearly connects behavioural science insights to real-world problems, policy, or professional practice.

  4. Ethical Responsibility – Upholds the spirit of the GAABS Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, particularly in avoiding misuse of behavioural insights.

  5. Innovation in Communication – Uses creative formats, storytelling, or production styles that enhance understanding.

  6. Reach and Impact – Demonstrates influence through audience size, diversity, or evidence of impact in practice or public debate.

Selection Process (applies to both awards)

Nominations may be made by any GAABS members.

  • Members may nominate up to three books and up to three podcasts.

  • Submissions are reviewed and evaluated against the published criteria, then shortlisted by the GAABS Board and Awards Committee. 

  • The shortlist will be shared with the GAABS membership to vote for their preferred option. 

  • Members are eligible for one book vote and one podcast vote. 

  • Winners are announced annually and featured on the GAABS website, newsletter, and social channels.

How to submit your nomination