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.
Nomination Information
Nominations for the 2026 National Awards were accepted from July 1 to November 1, 2024. The winners will be announced in August 2025.
New For 2026: Any individual may submit one nomination per year per award, as well as one support letter per year per award, unless that individual is a member of the selection committee for the same award or a current member of the ACS Board of Directors.
The nomination period for the 2025 ACS National Awards closed on November 1, 2023. The winners were announced in August 2024 in Chemical & Engineering News.
Selection & Canvassing Committees
Sponsoring a National Award
2025 National Awards Hybrid Ceremony
The 2025 National Awards Banquet and Ceremony, including remarks by the 2025 Priestley Medalist Dr. Frances H. Arnold, took place on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in conjunction with ACS Spring 2025 in San Diego, CA as a hybrid event.
2025 Priestley Medalist
Frances H. Arnold, the Linus Pauling Professor of Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, and Biochemistry at the California Institute of Technology, is being recognized with the Priestley Medal, the American Chemical Society’s highest honor, for her contributions to the development of directed evolution. Arnold has spearheaded this method of chemical and biological design, which is now used in laboratories around the world to create enzymes that can churn out valuable molecules and accomplish chemistry that was once thought possible only with the use of purely chemical methods.
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
