National Awards
The ACS National Awards program is designed to encourage the advancement of chemistry in all its branches, to support research in chemical science and in industry, and to promote the careers of chemists.
The ACS National Awards Program is moving to a new online nomination platform that will provide enhanced user experience and increase long-term system stability. Due to this transition, the nomination window for the 2028 National Awards will be open from August 1 to December 1, 2026. Until the new platform launches, we encourage nominators to use the many resources available on our website to prepare your materials for submission. If you have any questions, please reach out to awards@acs.org.
Nomination Information
Nominations for the 2028 National Awards will open on August 1, 2026.
Nominations for the 2027 National Awards were accepted from July 1 to December 15, 2025. The winners will be announced in Chemical & Engineering in August 2026 and recognized with a banquet and ceremony at ACS Spring 2027 in New Orleans, LA.
Nominations for the 2026 National Awards were accepted from July 1 to November 1, 2024. The winners were announced in Chemical & Engineering News in August 2025.
Selection & Canvassing Committees
Sponsoring a National Award
2026 National Awards Ceremony
The 2026 National Awards Banquet and Ceremony, including remarks by the 2026 Priestley Medalist Dr. Jennifer Doudna, took place on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in conjunction with ACS Spring 2025 in Atlanta, GA as a hybrid event.
2026 Priestley Medalist
Jennifer Doudna is Li Ka Shing Chancellor's Chair Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, an investigator with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and the founder of the Innovative Genomics Institute.
The Priestley Medal recognized her discoveries on ribozyme function, double-stranded RNA processing, and CRISPR gene editing, as well as her impactful international science leadership.
Resources
Prized Science (YouTube)
This video series features the work and contributions of recipients who have won ACS prizes. Watch, listen, and discover how the chemistry behind their awards transforms our lives.
Becoming Award Ready Webinar (YouTube)
How do deserving and accomplished chemical scientists from diverse backgrounds become ACS award 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 ACS divisions with quick access to answers to questions regarding the selection and canvassing committee process and the National Awards Banquet and Ceremony, as well as information on how to nominate deserving individuals for the ACS National Awards.
National Awards Advisory Board
The National Awards Advisory Board (NAAB) oversees the ACS National Awards. Read more about the National Awards Advisory Board
Contact Us
ACS National Awards Program
American Chemical Society
1155 16th Street NW | Washington, DC 20036
Email: awards@acs.org
