Foundation Prize Competitions

Packard Fellowship for Science and Engineering
Nominations are requested in January of each year from the presidents of 50 universities selected by the Advisory Panel

Allows the nation's most promising professors to pursue science and engineering research early in their careers with few funding restrictions and limited paperwork requirements. The Foundation invites the presidents of 50 universities to nominate two professors each from their institutions. 20 Fellows receive individual awards of $875,000, payable over five consecutive years.


Case/Carnegie US Professor of the Year
2009 Deadline Friday, April 17, 2009; 2010 Deadline to be announced

To increase awareness of the importance of undergraduate instruction. The program recognizes faculty members for their achievements in teaching undergraduates.


Andrew W. Mellon New Directions Fellowship

To provide support for faculty members of exceptional quality in the Humanities and humanistic social sciences whose research would benefit from acquiring systematic training outside of their own discipline.


NEH Summer Stipend Program
Deadline October 1, 2009

To provide scholars with an opportunity to pursue research in the humanities that contributes to scholarly knowledge or to the public’s understanding of the humanities.


PEW Scholars Program in the Biomedical Sciences
Deadline November 2, 2009

To support young investigators of outstanding promise in basic and clinical sciences relevant to the advancement of human health.


Microsoft New Faculty Fellowship
Nominations for the 2010 Microsoft Research New Faculty Fellows will be opened in September 2009

To stimulate and support creative research by promising researchers who have the potential of making a profound impact on the state of the art in their research discipline.


John Merck Scholars
Deadline September 15, 2009

Chosen from the ranks of the most promising assistant professors currently working, or planning to work, in neurobiological and cognitive sciences relating to the biology of mental disability and developmental disabilities.


Maison de la Chimie Foundation Prize

The Prize is intended to reward an original work in chemistry, of benefit to mankind, society or nature. The Grand Prix will be awarded for the eleventh time in 2010 to one or several persons, irrespective of nationality. It carries a monetary award of 35,000 Euros.


Enrico Fermi Award
Nominations ongoing

The Enrico Fermi Award is a Presidential award, one of the oldest and most prestigious science and technology awards given by the U.S. Government. It recognizes scientists of international stature for their lifetimes of exceptional scientific, technical, engineering, and/or management achievements related to the development, use, control, or production of energy (broadly defined to include the science and technology of nuclear, atomic, molecular, and particle interactions and effects). Award amount: $100,000 and gold medal.


Robert Welch Award in Chemistry
Nomination Deadline February 1 of each year

The Welch Award in Chemistry fosters and encourages basic chemical research and to recognize, in a substantial manner, the value of chemical research contributions for the benefit of mankind. Nominations are due in the Foundation offices by February 1 of each year. The monetary amount of the award is $300,000.


Thomas Ehrlich Faculty Award for Service Learning
2010 Deadline to be announced

This award recognizes one faculty member each year for exemplary engaged scholarship, including leadership in advancing students’ civic learning, conducting community-based research, fostering reciprocal community partnerships, building institutional commitments to service-learning and civic engagement, and other means of enhancing higher education’s contributions to the public good. Award amount: $2,000.


Sackler Prize in the Physical Sciences
Nominations ongoing

This prize is intended to encourage dedication to science, originality and excellence by rewarding outstanding young scientists. It alternates between physics & chemistry annually. The age limit is 45 years. Prize amount: $50,000.


World Food Prize
Nominations due April 1 of each year

The World Food Prize is the foremost international award recognizing the accomplishments of individuals who have advanced human development by improving the quality, quantity, or availability of food in the world. Nominations are sought of an individual or individuals having demonstrated exceptional achievement in any field involved in enhancing food production and distribution and increasing food availability and accessibility to those most in need. Any academic or research institution, private or public organization, corporate entity, or governmental unit may submit a nomination for The World Food Prize. Prize amount: $250,000.


Electrochemical Society Olin Palladium Award
Calls for nomination March of even numbered years

ECS recognizes outstanding technical achievements in electrochemistry and solid-state science and technology. ECS awards are grouped according to one of four types: Society Awards, Division Awards, Section Awards, and Student Awards. ECS also offers a number of Travel Grants for students and young faculty members. Award: palladium medal, wall plaque, $7,500.


Michael Ludwig Nemmers Prize in Musical Composition
2010 Nominations accepted October 1, 2009 through February 1, 2010

Individuals of outstanding musical achievement as demonstrated by a substantial body of creative work. Award: $100,000; performance of a composition by the recipient.


McGraw Prize in Education
2010 Nomination call to be announced

The Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education annually recognizes outstanding individuals who have dedicated themselves to improving education in this country and whose accomplishments are making a difference today. Honorees are chosen by a distinguished panel of judges made up of thoughtful and influential members of the education community. Each winner receives a gift of $25,000 and a bronze sculpture.


Balzan Prize
Nominations due March 15 of each year

The Balzan Prize’s aim is to foster culture, the sciences and the most meritorious initiatives in the cause of humanity, peace and brotherhood among peoples throughout the world. The Prizes are awarded in the subject areas: literature, moral sciences, and the arts; physical, mathematical and natural sciences and medicine; humanities, peace and brotherhood among peoples. The four subject areas, two in literature, the moral sciences and the arts, and two in the physical, mathematical and natural sciences and medicine, change every year. Award: four prizes of 1 million Swiss francs (around $700,000 USD)


National Medal of Arts
2010 Nomination call to be announced

The National Medal of Arts is the highest award given to artists and arts patrons by the United States Government. The National Medal of Arts is awarded by the President of the United States to individuals or groups who, in his judgment, "...are deserving of special recognition by reason of their outstanding contributions to the excellence, growth, support and availability of the arts in the United States." Award: National Medal of Arts.


Charles Stark Draper Prize
2010 Nomination call to be announced

The Draper Prize is awarded by the National Academy of Engineering for outstanding achievement in engineering and technology contributing to the advancement of human welfare and freedom. The Draper Prize is awarded annually*, the recipient receives a $500,000 cash award, and the prize recognizes achievements in all engineering disciplines. NAE members and non-members worldwide are eligible to receive the Draper Prize. It is anticipated that these awards will next be presented in February 2011. Nominations submitted in anticipation of awards in 2010 will be considered for the 2011 prizes. The Call for Nominations for the 2011 prizes will begin on January 4, 2010 and end on April 1, 2010. Award: $500,000


Gustav O. Lienhard Award (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation)
2010 Nomination call to be announced

Gustav O. Lienhard Award (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation) recognizes individuals for outstanding achievement in improving health care services in the United States. Award: medal and $25,000.


U.S. Professors of the Year Program
2010 Application Deadline to be announced

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning and CASE sponsor this program recognizing faculty members for their achievement as undergraduate professors. Award: $5,000 and certificate.


International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) Dirac Medal
Deadline September 30, 2009

ICTP's Dirac Medal is given in honour of P.A.M. Dirac, one of the greatest physicists of the 20th century and a staunch friend of the Centre. It is awarded annually on Dirac's birthday, 8 August, to scientists who have made outstanding contributions to theoretical physics and mathematics. Award: Dirac Medal and $5,000.


Franklin Institute Benjamin Franklin Medals
2010 Nomination deadline has passed; 2011 nomination deadline to be announced

Recognizes outstanding achievement in science and technology, chemistry, computer and cognitive science, earth science, engineering, life science, and physics. Award: Endowed medals


King Faisal International Prize
Nominations ongoing

King Faisal International Prize recognizes those who exceptionally serve Islam and Muslims, and the scientists and scholars whose research results in significant advances in specific areas that benefit humanity. This incentive also encourages expanded research that may lead to important medical and scientific breakthroughs. Awards made in four categories: Islamic Studies, Arabic Literature, Medicine, and Science. Award: US $200,000 for each category.


American Psychological Association Distinguished Scientific Awards
2010 deadline has passed; 2011 deadline to be announced

The Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award honors psychologists who have made distinguished theoretical or empirical contributions to basic research in psychology. The Distinguished Scientific Award for the Applications of Psychology honors psychologists who have made distinguished theoretical or empirical advances in psychology leading to the understanding or amelioration of important practical problems. The Distinguished Scientific Award for Early Career Contribution to Psychology recognizes excellent young psychologists. Award: citation and cash prize.


Materials Research Society's the Von Hippel Award
Deadline April 1 of each year

Recognizes those qualities most prized by materials scientists and engineers--brilliance and originality of intellect, combined with vision that transcends the boundaries of conventional scientific disciplines. Award: $10,000, honorary membership, & trophy.


Romanell-Phi Beta Kappa Professorship in Philosophy

Awarded annually, on a nonrenewable basis, to scholars in the field of philosophy, without restriction to any one school of philosophical thought. The Professorship is intended to recognize not only distinguished achievement but also the recipient's contribution or potential contribution to public understanding of philosophy. Nominations by institution's Phi Beta Kappa Chapter. Award: $7,500 and series of three lectures.


National Endowment for the Humanities Jefferson Lecture

Recognizes an individual who has made significant scholarly contributions to the humanities and who has the ability to communicate the knowledge and wisdom of the humanities in a broadly appealing way. The Jefferson Lecture is the highest honor the federal government bestows for distinguished intellectual and public achievement in the humanities. Award: $10,000 honorarium and the lecture is delivered annually in the spring in Washington, D.C.


National Endowment for the Humanities National Humanities Medal

Honors individuals or groups whose work has deepened the nation's understanding of the humanities, broadened our citizens' engagement with the humanities, or helped preserve and expand Americans' access to important resources in the humanities. Award: bronze medal


Ernest Orlando Lawrence Award
Nominations due April 1 of each year

The Lawrence Award honors scientists and engineers, at mid- career, showing promise for the future, for exceptional contributions in research and development supporting the Department of Energy and its mission to advance the national, economic and energy security of the United States. The Lawrence Award is given in each of the following seven categories: Chemistry, Materials Research, Environmental Science and Technology, Life Sciences (including Medicine), Nuclear Technologies (Fission and Fusion), National Security and Non-Proliferation, and High Energy and Nuclear Physics. The Lawrence Awards are administered by the Department of Energy’s Office of Science. Award: Citation signed by the Secretary of Energy, a gold medal, and a $50,000 honorarium.


Presidential Medal of Science
2010 nomination deadline November 5, 2009

The Presidential Medal of Science is the highest honor in the U.S. for scientists and engineers who are deserving of special recognition by reason of their outstanding contributions to knowledge in the physical, biological, mathematical, or engineering sciences." Award: Medal presented annually by the President of the United States.


American Physical Society (APS) Prizes and Awards
Various deadlines

APS offers approximately 40 prizes, awards, medals, and lectureships. Award: Varies.


Irving Langmuir Prize in Chemical Physics
2011 Nomination deadline to be announced

Recognizes and encourages outstanding interdisciplinary research in chemistry and physics, in the spirit of Irving Langmuir. This prize is made to one person who has made an outstanding contribution in the field of chemical physics or physical chemistry within the ten years prior to the prize. In even-numbered years, the American Chemical Society selects the prize recipient and presents the prize. In odd-numbered years, the American Physical Society selects the prize recipient and presents the prize. Award: $10,000 and a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient.


National Medal of Technology
2010 Nomination deadline has passed; 2011 nomination deadline to be announced

The highest honor bestowed by the President of the United States to America's leading innovators. The Medal is given annually to individuals, teams, or companies for accomplishments in the innovation, development, commercialization, and management of technology, as evidenced by the establishment of new or significantly improved products, processes, or services. Award: Medal awarded by the President of the United States.


American Association for the Advancement of Science's (AAAS) International Scientific Cooperation Award

Seeks to recognize individuals/individuals working together in the scientific or engineering community for making an outstanding contribution to furthering international cooperation in science and engineering. Award: $5,000 and a commemorative plaque.


American Association for the Advancement of Science's (AAAS) Philip Hauge Abelson Prize
Deadline September 1 of each year

The Prize is awarded annually either to a public servant, in recognition of sustained exceptional contributions to advancing science, or a scientist, whose career has been distinguished both for scientific achievement and for other notable services to the scientific community. Award: $5,000 and a commemorative plaque.


Electrochemical Society Electronics Division Award
Various Award deadlines

Established to encourage excellence in electronics research and outstanding technical contribution to the field of Electronics Science. This encouragement is provided by bringing recognition to Active Members of the Society who have made noteworthy scientific contributions and enhanced the scientific stature of the Society by the presentation of well received papers in the JOURNAL and at Society Meetings. Award: certificate and $1,500 plus expenses up to $1000 or payment of Life Membership in the Society.


Wolf Prizes to Promote Science and Art for the Benefit of Mankind

Five or six yearly prizes are awarded for achievements in the interest of mankind and friendly relations among peoples in arts and science: agriculture, chemistry, mathematics, medicine, physics, architecture, music, painting, and sculpture. Nominations accepted by: University Rector, Research Institute Director, Dean, the Head of a Conservatory - in the field of Music, the Head of a Museum of Art - in the field of Painting or Sculpture, the recipient of a Wolf Prize - in his field, and scientists or artists if invited to submit candidates by the Foundation. Award: $100,000 and diploma.


Epilepsy Research Awards Program
2010 Nomination deadline to be announced

Designed to encourage and reward clinical and basic science investigators whose research contributes importantly to understanding and conquering epilepsy. Award: $50,000.


March of Dimes Research Prize in Developmental Biology
Nominations September 15, 2009

The March of Dimes Prize is awarded to investigators whose research has profoundly advanced the science that underlines our understanding of birth defects. Awards: medal and $100,000.


The Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE) Awards
Deadline September 15, 2009

Designed to identify innovation by full-time faculty members in incorporating evolving information technologies in the curricula of accredited masters degree programs in library & information studies. Alise Award for Professional Contribution to Library and Information Science Education; Alise Service Award; Alise Award for Teaching Excellence in the Field of Library and Information Science Education; Alise Pratt-Severn Faculty Innovation Award or $2000.


Protein Society Awards
2010 nomination deadline October 1, 2009

Amgen Award: annual lectureship award in recognition of a recent, highly significant contribution to the science of proteins. Young Investigator Award: important contribution to the study of proteins by a scientist not yet 38 years of age at the time of the award. Hans Neurath Award: for an individual's recent contribution of unusual merit to basic research in the field of protein science. Christian B. Anfinsen Award: recognizes significant technical achievements in the field of protein science. Stein and Moore Award: recognizes contributions at the highest level to the study of proteins. Funding information not released for these awards


Tyler Prize
Nomination deadline September 15 of each year

Prizes are awarded for any one of the following: The protection, maintenance, improvement or understanding of an ecological or and environmental condition anywhere in the world; The discovery, further development, improvement, or understanding of known or new sources of energy; Medical discoveries or achievements with such worldwide implications that they significantly benefit environmental aspects of human health. Award: $200,000 award and gold medallion.


American Society for Microbiology (ASM)
Various deadlines
Honors achievement in research, education, and service--and encompasses the many subspecialties of microbiology. Award: varies.


Electrochemical Society Carl Wagner Memorial Award
Call for nominations in March of even numbered years

To recognize (a) mid-career achievement and excellence in research in areas of interest of the Society, and (b) significant contributions in the teaching or guidance of students or colleagues in education, industry, or government. Present biennially in odd-numbered years. Award: Life membership in the Society, certificate, sterling silver medal.


Centre de recherches mathematiques and the Fields Institute Prize (CRM-Fields Institute Prize)
Nominations October 1 of each year

Aimed at recognizing excellence in research in the mathematical sciences. The candidate's research should have been conducted primarily in Canada or in affiliation with a Canadian university. Award: $5,000.


Leavey Awards for Excellence in Private Enterprise Education
Deadline November 30, 2009

These awards honor outstanding educators who excite a commitment in their students to the free enterprise system. 20 awards of $7,500 each, and a special award of $15,000 for an unusually meritorious entry may be awarded.


Electrochemical Society Research Award of the Energy Technology Division
Call for nominations August 1 of each year

Established to encourage excellence in energy related research and to encourage publication in the Journal of the Electrochemical Society, Inc. The Award recognizes outstanding and original contributions to the science and technology of energy related research areas that include scientific and technological aspects of fossil fuels and alternative energy sources, energy management and environmental consequences of energy utilization. Award: scroll, $1,500, membership in Energy Technology Division.


Lemelson-MIT Lifetime Achievement Award

Recognizes outstanding individuals whose pioneering spirit and demonstrated inventiveness throughout their careers has improved our society and inspired others. They are U.S. citizens or permanent residents whose life-long careers in invention and innovation have had a significant impact on society. Award: $100,000.


Lemelson-MIT Prize

Purpose is to foster invention and innovation, and raise the status of inventors. Candidate must have two or more patents. Nominations by leaders from industry, research, academia and government. Award: $500,000.


Harvey Prize
Nomination deadline to be announced

Rewards excellence by recognizing breakthroughs in science and technology. Recipients are asked to come to the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology to receive their awards. While in Israel, recipients give lectures and meet with Israeli scientists, academicians, and leaders at Technion and other universities. Material from these lectures is published in a continuing library, the Harvey Prize Papers. Two awards of $50,000 each.


Robert Foster Cherry Award for Great Teaching
2012 Nomination deadline November 1, 2010

To honor great teachers, to stimulate discussion in the academy about the value of teaching, and to encourage departments and institutions to value their own great teachers. Award: $215,000 and will teach in residence at Baylor University during the spring semester following the award, plus travel and housing. Winner's home department will receive $35,000.


Jose Vasconcelos World Award of Education
2010 Nomination deadline to be announced

Granted to a renowned educator, an authority in the teaching field or to a legislator of education with significant influence on the advancement of culture for mankind. Acceptable nominating authorities: rectors of universities, directors of institutes and organizations, members of the World Cultural Council, outstanding personalities in science and culture. Award: diploma, commemorative medal and $10,000.


Leonardo da Vinci World Award of Arts
2010 Nomination deadline to be announced

Grants to artists for outstanding labor in benefit of mankind. Acceptable nominating authorities: rectors of universities, directors of institutes and organizations, members of the World Cultural Council, outstanding personalities in science and culture. Award: diploma, commemorative medal, and $10,000.


Albert Einstein World Award of Science
2010 Nomination deadline to be announced

Recognizes scientific and technological research and development that has brought benefit and well being to mankind. Acceptable nominating authorities: rectors of universities, directors of institutes and organizations, members of the World Cultural Council, outstanding personalities in science and culture. Award: diploma, commemorative medal, and $10,000.


Dan David Prize
Deadline November 30, 2009

The Prize covers three time dimensions (past, present, and future) that represent realms of human achievement. Nominees may be individuals and organizations. The 2010 topics are - Past: March Toward Democracy; Present: Literature—Rendition of the 20th Century; Future: Computers and Telecommunication. Awards: three prizes of $1 million each per year.


International Berthold Leibinger Innovationspreis
Nomination Deadline December 1, 2009

Open to applicants who have contributed outstanding innovations to applied laser technology through development or research on application or generation of laser light. Award: three prizes: 20,000 Euros, 10,000 Euros, and 5,000 Euros.


NSF Alan T. Waterman Award
Nomination deadline November 5, 2009

Presented annually to an outstanding young researcher in any field of science or engineering funded by NSF. Award: citation, bronze medal, and nonrestrictive 3-year research grant of $500,000.


Ernest Boyer Award for Excellence in Teaching, Learning & Technology
Nomination deadline December 1, 2009

Award recognizes exceptional faculty achievements in enhancing the learning process. Award: $5,000, trophy, engraved plaque.


Erwin Plein Nemmers Prize in Economics
Frederic Esser Nemmers Prize in Mathematics
Nomination deadline December 1, 2009

Candidacy for both Prizes are open to individuals with careers of outstanding achievement in their discipline, as demonstrated by major contributions to new knowledge or the development of significant new modes of analysis. The recipient of either Prize will deliver a public lecture and participate in other scholarly activities at Northwestern University for 10 weeks during the academic year. Award: $150,000.


Volvo Environment Prize
Nomination deadline November 15, 2009

Acknowledges persons who have made outstanding innovations or discoveries - scientific, socio-economic, or technological - which have a direct or indirect significance in the environmental field and are of global or regional importance. Award: ~$180,000.


Francis Bacon Award in the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology
Nomination deadline December 1, 2009

Biennial award to advance the field by recognizing and supporting first-rate scholarship that has been, and shows every sign of continuing to be, influential. Particularly seeking nominees whose work engages directly with scientific and technological concepts and processes. Limited to 1 - 2 nominations. Award: $20,000, serve 3 months as a visiting professor at Caltech.


National Science Board's Vannevar Bush Award
Nomination deadline November 4, 2009

Recognizes a senior statesperson who through public service activities in science and technology has made an outstanding contribution toward the welfare of mankind and the nation. Award: bronze medal, honored at an awards dinner.


Bodossaki Foundation Academic Prizes

Greek scientists or scholars of Greek origin who have earned international renown in science, technology and medicine. Awarded to scientists who have made decisive contributions towards furthering their scientific field. Award: four prizes of €20.500 each (around $22,500 USD).


Sheikh Hamdan Award for Medical Research Excellence
Nomination deadline November 30, 2009

Honors innovative methods and research that resulted in novel discoveries and inventions, which have made an enormous impact in their fields. Topics for 2009-2010 are: 1. Obesity; 2. Osteoporosis; 3. Thyroid Disease. Award: approximately US $27,000, trophy, certificate.


American Astronomical Society (AAS) Prizes
Various Deadlines

AAS awards and prizes recognize outstanding contributions in fields of astronomy. Awards: Approximately 15 awards. Varies.


John W. Kluge Prize in the Human Sciences

The John W. Kluge Prize rewards lifetime achievement in the study of humanity with focus on disciplines not recognized by Nobel prizes. Such disciplines include history, philosophy, politics, anthropology, sociology, religion, criticism in the arts and humanities, and linguistics. The award is near the financial level of the Nobel awards.