Cottrell STAR Award
Cottrell STAR Award supports Cottrell Scholars and Holland Awardees by rewarding transformational research and excellence in science education to advance their fields and improve student learning.
Funder: Research Corporation for Science Advancement
Due Dates: November 18, 2026 (Nomination) | January 21, 2027 (Application) | February 4, 2027 (Support letters)
Funding Amounts: $5,000 cash prize to the recipient
Summary: Recognizes Cottrell Scholars and Holland Awardees for transformational research and excellence in science education.
Key Information: For 2027, Cottrell Scholars must have received their award in 2015 or earlier; Holland Awardees qualify regardless of award year.
Description
The Cottrell STAR (Science Teaching and Research) Award, administered by Research Corporation for Science Advancement (RCSA), recognizes outstanding research and educational accomplishments within the Cottrell Scholar community, including Holland Award recipients. It gives equal emphasis to transformational research and excellence in education, encourages improvements in science education at American and Canadian universities and colleges, and raises recipients’ national profile.
Research accomplishments may be a single groundbreaking publication or a larger body of work that has transformed a field. Educational accomplishments may include curriculum transformation, outreach programs, textbooks, or sustained national leadership. Work reaching beyond the nominee’s home institution is particularly meritorious. The award recognizes established teacher-scholars whose research and teaching have broad impact on their disciplinary fields and student learning.
