Francis P. Garvan-John M. Olin Medal
Francis P. Garvan-John M. Olin Medal honors women chemists through an annual American Chemical Society award recognizing distinguished contributions to chemistry, innovation, and benefit to society.
Funder: American Chemical Society
Due Dates: August 5, 2026 (2028 nominations open) | December 5, 2026 (Nomination deadline)
Funding Amounts: $15,000 award plus up to $2,500 in travel reimbursement, a medallion, and a certificate
Summary: Recognizes distinguished service to chemistry by women chemists through an annual ACS National Award.
Key Information: Nominees must be women chemists who are U.S. citizens; ACS membership is not required.
Description
The Francis P. Garvan-John M. Olin Medal is an annual national award administered by the American Chemical Society (ACS) to recognize distinguished service to chemistry by women chemists. Rather than funding a specified research project, it honors contributions to the chemical field. ACS lists the award among its National Awards and Diversity opportunities, with recipient categories including industry, faculty, chemistry professionals, and international recipients.
Selection considers the significance of the nominee’s work to the chemical enterprise, its benefit to society, innovation, and service to the scientific community beyond job expectations. The award is supported by an endowed fund established by Francis P. Garvan and the Olin Corporation Charitable Trust. Its medallion is presented at the Women Chemists Committee (WCC) luncheon during the ACS Spring Meeting.
