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Prize Guide

Verify

Shortlisting and finalist due diligence

A shortlist means we verify your claims, not that you have won. Respond to verification requests on time.

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What to do.

Finalist checks

Verify

Finalist checks

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Prepare verification evidence

Expect requests for ID, enrollment proof, original files, supervisor or co-author confirmation, ethics approval, data, or a short call.

Expect proportionate checks

Bigger awards, close scores, and unusual claims get deeper checks.

Reply by the stated deadline

Reply through the official channel by the stated deadline.

Protect identity and bank documents

Use the protected route for identity or bank documents.

Clarify; do not rewrite

You can confirm your work, not rewrite it.

Resolve every material discrepancy

An unresolved discrepancy or a failed check removes a finalist.

Read the full chapter

A shortlist identifies submissions that merit verification; it is not an award. b54 may ask a finalist for identity and enrollment evidence, the original research file, supervisor or institutional confirmation, co-author consent and contributions, ethics approval, underlying data or code, reference details, a live explanation, or other proportionate evidence.

Verification is risk-based. Higher-value awards, close scores, unfamiliar institutions, inconsistent metadata, inaccessible evidence, plagiarism or authorship signals, and unusually strong claims justify deeper checks. b54 may conduct a desk review, direct source confirmation, or a live demonstration. The applicant must respond through the official channel by the stated deadline.

Collect only what is needed, limit access, and avoid sending identity or bank documents by ordinary email where a protected method is available. A clarification may confirm the submitted work; it cannot rewrite it. An unresolved material discrepancy, refusal, missing consent, or failed eligibility check may remove the finalist, after which the next verified submission may be considered under the same rules.