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

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

Recognition award; includes engraved certificate, travel expenses to lecture, and publication of lecture in a Society journal.

Annual award recognizing a lifetime of eminence in astronomical research, with a lecture and formal recognition by the AAS.

--- ## Description The Henry Norris Russell Lectureship is the highest honor awarded by the American Astronomical Society (AAS) for a lifetime of eminence in astronomical research. The Lectureship recognizes not only the impact and significance of the recipient’s scientific research, but also their influence on the advancement of astronomy and mentorship of younger astronomers. The recipient is invited to present a lecture on a broad astronomical topic at an AAS meeting, receives an engraved certificate, has travel expenses covered for the meeting, and the lecture (or related research) is published in a Society journal. --- ## Due Dates - June 30, 2026: Nomination (Nominator) deadline - July 15, 2026: Nominee package submission deadline - July 15, 2026: Letters of Support deadline (all three letters) _All dates are annual and projected based on the recurring cycle; check the [program page](https://aas.org/grants-and-prizes/henry-norris-russell-lectureship) for any updates._ --- ## Funding Amount - The award is honorary and does not provide a cash prize. - Includes: - Engraved certificate - Travel expenses to the designated AAS meeting for the lecture - Publication of the lecture or related research in an AAS journal --- ## Eligibility - Open to all; no restrictions on nationality, membership, or career stage. - Recognizes a **lifetime of eminence in astronomical research**. - Self-nominations are permitted. - Selection criteria include: - Impact on astronomy (publications, citations, leadership in research or major missions) - Significance and influence of research - Influence on young astronomers and advancement of the field --- ## Application Process 1. **Nomination** (by June 30) - Any AAS member may nominate themselves or another eligible individual. - The Nominator must provide a statement (up to 400 words), a draft citation, and the names/emails of three Letter Writers who have agreed to support the nomination. 2. **Nominee Package** (by July 15) - The Nominee will be contacted via OpenWater and must submit: - Mailing address - CV (max 2 pages) - Bibliography of published articles (max 2 pages) - Abstracts of three key publications - Completed Professional Ethics Self-Disclosure form 3. **Letters of Support** (by July 15) - Three letters are required, submitted via the OpenWater portal by the Letter Writers. - The Nominator may be one of the Letter Writers (except in the case of self-nomination). - All components must be submitted via the [AAS Prizes & Awards Nomination Portal](https://aas.secure-platform.com/a/page/AASPrizes). - Late or incomplete nominations will not be considered. --- ## Additional Information - The Nominator’s identity is hidden from the selection committee. - Nominations remain valid for three prize cycles; nominators may update or resubmit as needed. - The recipient is expected to deliver a lecture at a meeting designated by the AAS Board of Trustees. --- ## External Links - [Henry Norris Russell Lectureship program page](https://aas.org/grants-and-prizes/henry-norris-russell-lectureship) - [Nomination Instructions & Checklist](https://aas.org/grants-and-prizes/nomination-checklist) - [AAS Prizes & Awards Nomination Portal](https://aas.secure-platform.com/a/page/AASPrizes) - [AAS Honors, Grants & Prizes overview](https://aas.org/honors-grants-and-prizes) --- ## Contact Information | Role | Contact Details | |---------------------------|--------------------------------------------------| | AAS Secretary (prize info) | [aassec@aas.org](mailto:aassec@aas.org) | | General AAS Contact | [Contact Form](https://aas.org/contact) | | Phone | +1 202-328-2010 |

Henry Norris Russell Lectureship

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