[American Chemical Society](https://www.acs.org)

November 2026 (Nomination submission deadline)

$5,000 award plus up to $1,000 for travel expenses; certificate included.

Recognizes a single inventor for impactful, patented research in chemistry or chemical engineering that benefits society.

Patent must have been granted within the 17 years ending January 1, 2026; nominees must be listed as inventors.

--- ## Description This annual award honors a single inventor whose patented research in chemistry and/or chemical engineering has significantly advanced material prosperity and happiness. Established in 1966, the award celebrates individuals whose inventive work, protected by patent, has made a notable impact on society. The recipient receives a monetary prize, a certificate, and reimbursement for travel expenses to the award ceremony. --- ## Due Dates - November 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 monetary award. - Up to $1,000 reimbursed for travel expenses to the award ceremony. - Award certificate. --- ## Eligibility - Open to inventors in chemistry and/or chemical engineering, regardless of race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, disability status, or educational background. - The invention must be patented, with the nominee listed as an inventor. - Patent must have been granted within the 17 years ending January 1, 2026. - A copy of the patent must be submitted with the nomination. - No requirement for nominators or support letter writers to be ACS members. --- ## Application Process - Nominations are typically accepted annually from July 1 to November 1. - A complete nomination package must include: - Nomination form - Copy of the relevant patent - Supporting documentation as specified by ACS - For detailed instructions, see the [ACS National Awards nomination guidelines](https://www.acs.org/funding/awards/national/nominations.html). - Selection is based on the impact and creativity of the patented invention. --- ## Additional Information - Sponsored by ACS Corporation Associates. - Established by the ACS Board of Directors in 1966. - Past recipients and selection rubrics are available on the award page. --- ## External Links - [ACS Award for Creative Invention program page](https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/funding/awards/acs-award-for-creative-invention.html) - [ACS National Awards nomination guidelines](https://www.acs.org/funding/awards/national/nominations.html) - [Selection Committee Rubric (XLSX)](https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/funding/awards/national/national-award-rubrics/creative-invention-rubric.xlsx) - [Past Recipients](https://www.acs.org/funding/awards/acs-award-for-creative-invention/past-recipients.html) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Office | Email | Phone | Address | |----------------------------|-------------------------------------|-------------------|----------------------------------------------------| | ACS National Awards Program | [awards@acs.org](mailto:awards@acs.org) | +1 800-227-5558 | 1155 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA | | General ACS Contact | [help@services.acs.org](mailto:help@services.acs.org) | +1 800-227-5558 | [Contact Page](https://www.acs.org/contact.html) |

ACS Award for Creative Invention - American Chemical Society

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