Robert Holland Jr. Award
Robert Holland Jr. Award supports senior physical-science teacher-scholars by rewarding research, teaching, inclusive mentorship, and leadership that broadens STEM participation and community perspectives.
Funder: Research Corporation for Science Advancement
Due Dates: September 18, 2026 (Applications open) | November 4, 2026 (Awards Calendar deadline) | December 2, 2026 (2027 Award deadline)
Funding Amounts: $5,000 cash prize to the recipient
Summary: Recognizes senior physical-science teacher-scholars for research, teaching, inclusive mentorship, and leadership, welcoming new voices into the Cottrell Scholar community.
Key Information: Nomination by a Cottrell Scholar or Holland awardee is required; self-nominations and previous Cottrell Scholars are ineligible.
Description
Research Corporation for Science Advancement’s Robert Holland Jr. Award recognizes outstanding senior scientists committed to creativity, excellence in research and teaching, and mentorship that helps all students reach their full potential. Designed by Cottrell Scholars, it celebrates scholars whose experience and contributions are currently underrepresented in the community, with a focus on chemistry, physics, astronomy, and closely related physical sciences.
The award emphasizes research achievement, excellent teaching, inclusive mentorship, and leadership that broadens participation and retention in STEM. Recipients join the Cottrell Scholar community, bringing new perspectives to its annual conference and collaborative teams. The award honors Robert Holland Jr., an engineer and corporate executive who served on RCSA’s Board of Directors from 1997 to 2010.
