Prize handbook · Review
How we judge.
Independent reviewers score published criteria, with no points for reputation, lobbying, or popularity.
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How we judge
Review
How we judge
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Brief reviewers first
Reviewers are briefed on the rubric, confidentiality, and conflicts before they see anything.
Get independent reviews
Each eligible entry gets at least three independent reviews where practical.
Score alone with reasons
Reviewers score alone first and write a reason for each material score.
Resolve gaps independently
A big score gap or a missing review triggers another independent review.
Use the published tie method
Ties are broken by the published method.
Awards depend on the standard
b54 may make fewer awards, or none, if no entry meets the standard.
Conflicts, confidentiality, and independence
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Judges assess only the materials permitted by the specific Prize and only the published criteria. b54 briefs reviewers on the rubric, score anchors, confidentiality, conflicts, prohibited contact, use of AI, feedback standard, and decision timetable before access is granted.
Each eligible submission should receive at least three independent evaluations where practical. Reviewers score before group discussion and record a concise reason tied to evidence for each material score. Staff may calibrate the meaning of the rubric but must not direct a desired result. A material score spread, missing review, or recusal triggers reassignment or an additional independent review.
The recorded tie method controls: normally the highest score on the most important published criterion, followed by another independent review or a documented panel decision. Popularity, personal familiarity, institutional prestige, partner preference, social-media reach, and an applicant’s ability to lobby do not determine the award.
Scores inform the decision but do not remove the need for eligibility and integrity verification. b54 may make fewer awards, or no award, when the published threshold is not met.