National Awards

Yellow banner with blue and white text: The ACS National Awards: Advancing Chemistry, Supporting Research, and Promoting Chemists

The ACS National Awards program is designed to encourage the advancement of chemistry in all its branches, to support research in chemical science and industry, and to promote the careers of chemists.


Nomination Information

The nomination period for the 2024 ACS National Awards closed on November 1, 2022. Thank you for making the most of this exciting opportunity to highlight outstanding work in the chemical sciences and chemical education! The winners will be announced in August 2023.


Cato T. Laurencin

2023 Priestley Medalist

Cato T. Laurencin, the University Professor and Albert and Wilda Van Dusen Distinguished Endowed Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Connecticut, has been named the 2023 Priestley Medal, the American Chemical Society’s highest honor. He is being recognized for his work on polymeric materials and composites for biological use as well as for his leadership in inclusion, diversity, equity, and antiracism. View C&EN article.

National Awards Hybrid Ceremony

The 2023 National Awards Banquet and Ceremony will take place on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, in conjunction with ACS Spring 2023 Meeting in Indianapolis, IN. It will be a hybrid event (in-person and virtual) at the JW Marriott Indianapolis Hotel and online.

2023 ACS National Awards Recipients
2023 Award Recipient Vignettes

The 2022 National Awards ceremony was held as a hybrid event (in-person and virtual) at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel, Indigo Ballroom, and online on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, in conjunction with ACS Spring 2022 in San Diego, CA. Dr. Peter B. Dervan (Caltech University) delivered the Priestley Medal Awards Address.


Resources

Recipient and Sponsor Information for the 2023 National Awards

ACS 2021 National Awards Virtual Ceremony (Vimeo)
The hybrid National Awards Ceremony honored the 2021 ACS National Award recipients on Sunday, August 22, 2021.  

Prized Science (YouTube)
This video series features the work and contributions of recipients who won ACS prizes. Watch, listen, and discover how the chemistry behind ACS’ awards transforms our lives.

Becoming Award Ready Webinar (YouTube)
How do deserving and accomplished chemical scientists from diverse backgrounds become ACS award nominees and potentially winners? This short presentation shares the key aspects of preparing for and creating a successful nomination package for an ACS National Award.

National Awards Office Division Primer (PDF)
This booklet provides technical divisions with quick access to answers to questions regarding the ACS National Awards Program’s selection and canvassing committee process and the awards banquet and ceremony, as well as how to nominate deserving individuals for national awards.


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Contact Us

ACS National Awards Program
American Chemical Society
1155 16th Street, NW | Washington, DC 20036
Email: awards@acs.org