[American Astronomical Society](https://aas.org)

June 30, 2026: Nomination submission deadline | July 15, 2026: Nominee package deadline | July 15, 2026: Letters of Support deadline

Honorific prize; no direct monetary award specified.

Recognizes outstanding contributions to astronomy education, outreach, and science literacy.

Self-nominations are allowed; no restrictions on nationality or residence.

--- ## Description The American Astronomical Society (AAS) Education Prize honors individuals who have made exceptional contributions to astronomy education, public outreach, and science literacy. The prize celebrates innovative efforts to inspire and educate students, the general public, and the next generation of professional astronomers. Impactful activities recognized include sharing educational methods, advancing pedagogy, outreach to underserved communities, and making astronomy more accessible. Established in 2000, the prize highlights those who have significantly influenced the astronomy education community. --- ## Due Dates - **June 30, 2026:** Nomination submission deadline (nominator must submit by this date) - **July 15, 2026:** Nominee package deadline (nominee must complete required materials) - **July 15, 2026:** Letters of Support deadline (all three letters must be received) --- ## Funding Amount - This is an honorific award; there is no direct monetary component specified. - Winners receive formal recognition by the AAS, typically at the annual January meeting. --- ## Eligibility - No restrictions on nationality or country of residence. - Open to individuals with outstanding contributions to astronomy education at any level (public, students, or professional astronomers). - Self-nominations are permitted. - Only AAS members may submit nominations (either for themselves or for other members). - All nomination components must be completed by the deadlines for consideration. - Nominations remain active for three prize cycles if not selected in the first year. --- ## Application Process 1. **Nomination (by June 30, 2026):** - Submit via the [AAS Prizes Nomination Portal](https://aas.secure-platform.com/a/page/AASPrizes). - Nominator (must be an AAS member) provides: - Nominator and nominee contact information - Up to 400-word justification for the nominee - Draft award citation - Names and emails of three agreed-upon letter writers 2. **Nominee Package (by July 15, 2026):** - Nominee completes: - Mailing address - Curriculum vitae (max 2 pages) - Bibliography of relevant publications (max 2 pages) - Abstracts of three illustrative publications - Professional Ethics Self-Disclosure form 3. **Letters of Support (by July 15, 2026):** - Three letters from individuals familiar with the nominee’s work (uploaded via the portal). - The nominator can be a letter writer, except in self-nominations. - All components must be submitted through the OpenWater platform. - Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. - Detailed instructions and checklist: [Nomination Checklist](https://aas.org/grants-and-prizes/nomination-checklist). --- ## Additional Information - The identity of the nominator is hidden from the prize committee. - Past winners include leaders in astronomy education and outreach across academia and public institutions. - For questions or assistance, contact the [AAS Secretary](mailto:aassec@aas.org). - See the [Education Prize page](https://aas.org/grants-and-prizes/education-prize) for more details and inspiration from previous recipients. --- ## External Links - [AAS Education Prize Main Page](https://aas.org/grants-and-prizes/education-prize) - [Nomination Portal](https://aas.secure-platform.com/a/page/AASPrizes) - [Nomination Checklist & Instructions](https://aas.org/grants-and-prizes/nomination-checklist) - [AAS Prizes & Awards Overview](https://aas.org/honors-grants-and-prizes) - [AAS Prize Nominations Information](https://aas.org/grants-and-prizes/prize-nominations) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [AAS Contact Page](https://aas.org/contact) | | Prize-Specific Queries | [AAS Secretary](mailto:aassec@aas.org) | | Phone | +1 202-328-2010 | | Address | 1667 K Street NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20006, United States |

Education Prize

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