Outstanding St. Louis Scientists Awards Categories
The Academy of Science of St. Louis is seeking nominations for the 28th Annual Outstanding St. Louis Scientists Awards. We wish to bring the region’s attention to individuals, institutions, and corporations renowned worldwide for their significant scientific contributions to research, industry, and the quality of life. In every category, preference is given to candidates who also have a record of excellence in communicating with the public, mentoring colleagues, or leadership in the fields of science, engineering, technology, or industry.
Candidates are nominated in one of the following award categories:
The Science Leadership Award recognizes a distinguished individual — not necessarily a scientist—or organization that has played an important leadership role in the development of science and scientists in the St. Louis region.
The Peter H. Raven Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a distinguished career of service in science, engineering, or technology.
The Deborah Patterson Award recognizes those who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to broadening participation in STEM across the St. Louis region.
The Trustees Award recognizes outstanding contributions in keeping with the Academy of Science’s mission of promoting the understanding and appreciation of science. Through exceptional leadership and communication, their impact crosses geographic boundaries and enriches private, public, and academic sectors.
The Fellows Award recognizes a distinguished individual for outstanding achievement in science.
The James B. Eads Award recognizes a distinguished individual for outstanding achievement in engineering or technology.
The George Engelmann Interdisciplinary Award recognizes outstanding achievement in science, engineering, or technology that results from collaboration among two or more (up to three) individuals across disciplinary or institutional boundaries.
The Innovation Award recognizes a scientist or engineer (or group of scientists or engineers) who has made a significant innovation in their field.
The Catalyst Award recognizes a scientist or engineer – age 40 or under (for 2026 award, age 40 or under by December 31, 2025) – who has demonstrated exceptional potential for future accomplishments in science, engineering, or technology.
The Science Educator Award recognizes a distinguished individual on the basis of outstanding contributions to science education or to the public understanding of science, engineering, or technology. As each category of award now includes a strong education and outreach component, and we have another mechanism for awarding K-12 Teacher Awards, the Educator category is primarily for those in higher education or the corporate sector. This is not a reflection on the excellent work in education, but rather is a verification of the high value of educational endeavors (including mentoring, citizen outreach, STEM advocacy and interdisciplinary efforts) performed by the Award recipients in all categories.
Nomination Process
Nomination open January 11, 2027 and are due by Monday, April 12, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. The following documents must be submitted to The Academy of Science Nomination form:
- Nominee Summary/Biography | 250 words maximum
- Nomination Rationale Document | 3 pages maximum, single-spaced, listing and explaining nominee professional accomplishments and how nominee meets award criteria
- Resume/CV | 5 pages maximum
- Letters of Support/Recommendation | 2 pages maximum for each letter | 3 letters maximum, with one letter being from the nominee’s institution/business and one letter from outside the institution/business of the nominee