[American Association for the Advancement of Science](https://www.aaas.org)

June 2026 (Nomination submission deadline, projected)

$5,000 cash prize, commemorative plaque, AAAS Annual Meeting registration, and travel/hotel reimbursement

Recognizes individuals or organizations who have advanced scientific freedom and responsibility under challenging circumstances.

--- ## Description The AAAS Award for Scientific Freedom and Responsibility honors individuals or organizations whose exemplary actions have advanced scientific freedom, integrity, and responsibility, especially under challenging or risky circumstances. The award celebrates those who protect public health, highlight societal impacts of science, defend the rights and professional freedoms of scientists and engineers, and use scientific expertise to promote justice and accountability for human rights violations. Established in 1980, the prize recognizes both specific acts and sustained contributions, and is open to nominees worldwide. --- ## Due Dates - June 2026: Nomination submission deadline (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - $5,000 cash prize - Commemorative plaque - Complimentary registration for the AAAS Annual Meeting - Reimbursement for travel and hotel expenses to attend the meeting --- ## Eligibility - Nominations may be submitted by anyone; self-nominations are accepted. - Open to both U.S. and non-U.S. individuals and organizations. - Recognizes specific actions, series of related actions, or a career-long record. - Nominees must be living at the time of nomination. - All nomination materials must be in English. - Past recipients include scientists, engineers, health professionals, and organizations from diverse backgrounds. --- ## Application Process - Submit a nomination form via the [AAAS nomination portal](https://sfr.secure-platform.com/a/solicitations/141/home). - Required materials: - Name and contact information for the nominee and nominator - Brief citation (25–30 words) describing the accomplishment(s) - Nomination rationale (max 3 pages) - Additional documentation (optional, max 3 pages) - Resume or CV (max 5 pages per nominee) - At least one letter of support (not from nominator); self-nominations require at least two letters of support - Written consent from the nominee for consideration - Nominees are evaluated on: 1. Demonstration of scientific freedom and/or responsibility 2. Importance of the issue addressed 3. Value of intellectual contributions 4. Courage shown in the actions taken --- ## Additional Information - AAAS encourages nominations from individuals and organizations representing a broad range of backgrounds, life experiences, and geographies. - All awardees must meet high standards of professional ethics and scientific integrity. - Actions recognized may include whistleblowing, advocacy, community partnerships, and defending human rights. --- ## External Links - [Program page and nomination portal](https://sfr.secure-platform.com/a/solicitations/141/home) - [AAAS Award for Scientific Freedom and Responsibility overview](https://www.aaas.org/awards/scientific-freedom-and-responsibility) - [AAAS Statement on Scientific Freedom and Responsibility](https://www.aaas.org/page/aaas-statement-scientific-freedom-and-responsibility) - [List of past recipients](https://www.aaas.org/awards/scientific-freedom-and-responsibility/recipients) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |--------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | AAAS Awards Office | [awards@aaas.org](mailto:awards@aaas.org) (include "AAAS Award for Scientific Freedom and Responsibility" in subject) | | Phone | 202-326-6400 | | General Contact | [AAAS Contact Page](https://www.aaas.org/contact-aaas) |

AAAS Award for Scientific Freedom and Responsibility

Sign in to see full grant listing