John B. Fenn Distinguished Contribution in Mass Spectrometry
John B. Fenn Distinguished Contribution in Mass Spectrometry supports scientists through an award honoring a singular achievement in fundamental or applied mass spectrometry, recognizing scientific contributions.
Funder: American Society for Mass Spectrometry
Due Dates: November 30, 2026 (Award nomination)
Funding Amounts: $10,000 cash award, recognition plaque, and award lecture
Summary: Recognizes a focused or singular achievement in fundamental or applied mass spectrometry rather than lifetime achievement.
Key Information: Nominees must be current members of ASMS.
Description
The John B. Fenn Distinguished Contribution in Mass Spectrometry award is administered by the American Society for Mass Spectrometry (ASMS). It recognizes a focused or singular achievement in fundamental or applied mass spectrometry, in contrast to awards recognizing lifetime achievement. The award honors John B. Fenn, who shared the 2002 Nobel Prize for developing electrospray ionization and remained an active ASMS member until his death in 2010.
The award is conferred at the ASMS Annual Conference. Its emphasis is on a specific scientific contribution, documented through a description of the achievement, relevant publications, and supporting letters. The 2026 recipient, Albert J.R. Heck, was recognized for pioneering method development and applications of native mass spectrometry, particularly the study of very large macromolecular complexes.
