The Scarlet Plaque (Project) is modeled after the “Blue Plaque” system in the United Kingdom, which recognizes by construction of a small plaque, the physical sites and or locations in which exceptional people lived and worked. At The Ohio State University, the Scarlet Plaque is currently a “virtual plaque” that recognizes the sites where, and the people who made discoveries or contributions that:
1. were exceptional in their benefit to human welfare.
2. received tremendous public recognition in their or following their time.
3. were recognized as eminent or distinguished by their peers or successors.
4. were accomplished primarily at The Ohio State University.
It is recognized that the criteria above are all subjective and it is the goal of the project to avoid contributions or individuals that were (are) notorious, scandalous or even heinous. It is also the goal of the project to eventually employ an informed panel to make yearly decisions on inclusion and construction of a Scarlet Plaque for recognized contributions.