The 2023 United Sigma Intelligence Association Award for Biology (2023 USIA Award for Biology) has been given to Richard Dawkins in recognition of having met the highest standards of excellence in his noteworthy achievement as an original investigator in a field of arts and sciences dedicated to providing intellectual inspiration to the world.
Richard Dawkins is an evolutionary biologist and expert in animal behaviour. Richard is well known for his ability to communicate concepts from his research and beyond to a non-specialist audience. Thus he has been a key figure in raising public understanding of science. He is also renowned for his views on removing religion from science education and public policy.
The crux of Richard’s communication involves presenting gene-centred concepts that explain the process of animal evolution in a gripping way. He strongly promotes the theory of survival of the fittest and that our behavior is preprogrammed within our DNA. He is a strong critic of creationism and regularly appears in the media expressing his views.
Richard is a prominent scientist, having published bestselling books on genetics and evolution, including The Selfish Gene (1976), The Blind Watchmaker (1986) — with the latter winning a number of awards. He set up the Richard Dawkins Foundation in 2006 to promote the cause of removing religion from science.
NOTE: The USIA Awards are granted with the winners' consent.