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

June 30, 2026 (Nomination) | July 15, 2026 (Nominee package & Letters of Support)

Honorary biennial prize; no monetary component specified.

Recognizes a living individual for long-term extraordinary or unselfish service to astronomy beyond professional obligations.

Self-nomination is allowed; AAS membership required for nominators.

--- ## Description This biennial prize, administered by the American Astronomical Society (AAS), honors a living individual whose long-term dedication and extraordinary or unselfish service have had a significant positive impact on the astronomical community. The award specifically recognizes service that goes well beyond the expectations of the individual’s paid position, emphasizing contributions that benefit the field as a whole. The recipient is announced at the January AAS meeting in the year following the nomination cycle. --- ## Due Dates - June 30, 2026: Nomination deadline (Nominator must submit nomination) - July 15, 2026: Nominee package deadline (Nominee must complete requested package) - July 15, 2026: Letters of Support deadline (all three letters must be received) --- ## Funding Amount - This is an honorary award; no specific monetary component or research funding is detailed. - The prize is awarded every two years. --- ## Eligibility - The prize is open to living individuals who have provided long-term, outstanding, and unselfish service to astronomy. - There are no restrictions on institutional affiliation or nationality. - Self-nominations are permitted. - Only AAS members may serve as nominators (except for certain other prizes). - Past recipients and current members of the selection committee are not eligible. --- ## Application Process ### Steps 1. **Nomination Submission (by June 30, 2026)** - Nominator (AAS member) initiates the process via the [AAS OpenWater Nomination Portal](https://aas.secure-platform.com/a/page/AASPrizes). - Required information: nominator and nominee details, a 400-word statement supporting the nomination, draft award citation, and names/emails of three letter writers. 2. **Nominee Package (by July 15, 2026)** - Nominee provides: mailing address, CV (max 2 pages), bibliography (max 2 pages), abstracts of three key publications, and a completed ethics self-disclosure form. 3. **Letters of Support (by July 15, 2026)** - Three letters of support must be submitted by individuals familiar with the nominee’s work (can include the nominator if not a self-nomination). - Letters must be uploaded via the OpenWater platform. - All three components must be complete by the deadlines for the nomination to be considered. - Nominations remain valid for four prize cycles (eight years for this biennial prize). --- ## Additional Information - The identity of the nominator is kept confidential from the prize committee. - Late or incomplete nominations will not be considered. - See the [AAS nomination checklist](https://aas.org/grants-and-prizes/nomination-checklist) for full details and instructions. - For questions, contact the AAS Secretary at [aassec@aas.org](mailto:aassec@aas.org). --- ## External Links - [Prize Overview & Past Winners](https://aas.org/grants-and-prizes/george-van-biesbroeck-prize) - [Nomination Portal](https://aas.secure-platform.com/a/page/AASPrizes) - [Nomination Instructions & Checklist](https://aas.org/grants-and-prizes/nomination-checklist) - [AAS Prizes Main Page](https://aas.org/honors-grants-and-prizes) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |--------------------|--------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [AAS Contact Page](https://aas.org/contact) | | Email | [aassec@aas.org](mailto:aassec@aas.org) | | Phone | +1 202-328-2010 | | Address | 1667 K Street NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20006| ---

George Van Biesbroeck Prize

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