[American Chemical Society](https://www.acs.org)

November 2026 (nomination deadline, projected) | December 2026 (extended deadline, projected)

$20,000 research grant, gold medallion, certificate, up to $2,500 travel reimbursement (one-time award)

The Priestley Medal recognizes distinguished service to chemistry with a $20,000 grant, gold medallion, and national recognition.

--- ## Description The Priestley Medal, awarded by the American Chemical Society (ACS), is the society's highest honor, recognizing individuals who have made distinguished contributions to the field of chemistry. The award consists of a $20,000 research grant, a gold medallion commemorating Joseph Priestley, a certificate, and reimbursement of up to $2,500 in travel expenses to attend the ACS meeting where the award is presented. Established in 1922, the Priestley Medal celebrates exceptional service and leadership in chemistry, regardless of nationality or ACS membership. --- ## Due Dates - November 2026: Nomination deadline (anticipated; annual; nominations normally open July 1–November 1) - December 2026: Extended nomination deadline (anticipated; previously used extension to December 15) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - $20,000 research grant (one-time award) - Gold medallion and certificate - Up to $2,500 in reimbursed travel expenses to attend the award presentation --- ## Eligibility - Open to individuals worldwide for distinguished service to chemistry. - Nominees may be ACS members, non-member Community Associates, or representatives of any nation. - No restrictions based on race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, disability, or educational background. - Members of the ACS Board of Directors are ineligible to receive this award. --- ## Application Process - Nominations typically open July 1 and close November 1 each year (anticipated). - A nomination package is required; see the [ACS National Awards nominations page](https://www.acs.org/funding/awards/national/nominations.html) for details on required documents and submission procedures. - Nominations may be extended to December 15 based on programmatic decisions. --- ## Additional Information - The award is supported by an endowed fund established by J. Lynn Fordham. - Past recipients and further details can be found on the [Priestley Medal program page](https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/funding/awards/priestley-medal.html). --- ## External Links - [Priestley Medal program page (ACS)](https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/funding/awards/priestley-medal.html) - [ACS National Awards nominations](https://www.acs.org/funding/awards/national/nominations.html) - [Past recipients of the Priestley Medal](https://www.acs.org/funding/awards/priestley-medal/past-recipients.html) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | ACS National Awards | [awards@acs.org](mailto:awards@acs.org) | | ACS Address | 1155 Sixteenth Street NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA | | ACS General Inquiries | [help@services.acs.org](mailto:help@services.acs.org) | +1 800-227-5558 | | Contact Page | [https://www.acs.org/contact.html](https://www.acs.org/contact.html) |

Priestley Medal - American Chemical Society

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