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

June 2026 (Nomination deadline, projected; nominations open April 15, deadline June 30 at 11:59 PM ET)

$5,000 per awardee, plus plaque, meeting registration, and travel/hotel reimbursement

Recognizes individuals for exceptional mentorship and leadership in increasing diversity and supporting underrepresented groups in STEM doctoral education and careers.

--- ## Description The AAAS Mentor Awards honor individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in mentoring and supporting underrepresented groups within science and engineering fields, particularly at the doctoral level. There are two categories: the Lifetime Mentor Award (for those with 25+ years of mentoring) and the Mentor Award (for those with less than 25 years). Both awards recognize sustained, impactful mentorship that has led to measurable increases in diversity among students pursuing and completing STEM PhDs. Recipients are celebrated for fostering inclusive academic environments and providing both academic and psychological support to their mentees. --- ## Due Dates - Nominations Open (anticipated): April 15, 2026 - Nomination Deadline (anticipated): June 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Each awardee receives $5,000, a commemorative plaque, complimentary registration, and reimbursement for reasonable travel and hotel expenses to attend the AAAS Annual Meeting. - One award is given in each category annually; the total number of awards may vary. --- ## Eligibility - Open to all individuals, regardless of nationality or citizenship, who have mentored students at a U.S. institution. - Nominees must be living at the time of nomination. - **Lifetime Mentor Award:** For individuals with 25 or more years of mentoring experience. - **Mentor Award:** For individuals with less than 25 years of mentoring experience. - Nominees can be nominated up to three times. - Nomination materials must be in English. --- ## Application Process - Nominations must be submitted online via the [award portal](https://mentorawards.secure-platform.com/a). - Required materials: - Brief citation (25–30 words) - Nomination rationale (up to 3 pages) - Curriculum vitae (up to 5 pages) - List of underrepresented students mentored (using [Bachelor’s & Master’s Student List](https://www.aaas.org/sites/default/files/s3fs-public/bach_masters_students.pdf) and [PhD Student List](https://www.aaas.org/sites/default/files/s3fs-public/phd_students.pdf) templates) - Up to 5 letters of support from students and 3 from colleagues - Indicate any prior nominations in the rationale. - Alternative submission via postal mail is available by contacting the AAAS Awards team. --- ## Additional Information - Awardees are expected to uphold professional ethics and scientific integrity. - Nominees are evaluated based on the number and diversity of underrepresented students mentored, impact on institutional climate, and sustained commitment to mentee success. - The AAAS encourages nominations from diverse backgrounds and geographies. --- ## External Links - [AAAS Mentor Awards – Program Page](https://www.aaas.org/awards/mentor/about) - [Nomination Portal](https://mentorawards.secure-platform.com/a) - [Eligibility Details](https://mentorawards.secure-platform.com/a/page/Eligibility) - [Bachelor’s & Master’s Student List Template (PDF)](https://www.aaas.org/sites/default/files/s3fs-public/bach_masters_students.pdf) - [PhD Student List Template (PDF)](https://www.aaas.org/sites/default/files/s3fs-public/phd_students.pdf) - [Past Recipients](https://www.aaas.org/page/aaas-mentor-award-recipients) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |--------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Email | [awards@aaas.org](mailto:awards@aaas.org?subject=AAAS%20Mentor%20Awards) | | Phone | 202-326-6400 | | Address | 1200 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005 | | General Info | [AAAS Contact Page](https://www.aaas.org/contact-aaas) |

AAAS Mentor Awards

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