National Academy of Medicine (NAM) Awards

Eligibility

David and Beatrix Hamburg Award:

Each year, a selection committee appointed by the National Academy of Medicine considers the following criteria when determining the winner of the Hamburg Award.  The Hamburg Award is awarded to one or more scientists in recognition of an exceptional biomedical research discovery and/or translation that has fundamentally enriched our understanding of human biology and disease, leading to a significant reduction of disease burden and improvement in human health.

Award Criteria:

Principal selection criteria

• Discovery, translation, or public health intervention of impact which has led to improvement in human health and/or reduction in health inequities; and
• Innovative, creative, and pioneering achievement; and
• The nominee(s)’ unique contributions to the achievement
• Achievement was not previously recognized by a substantive international award

Additional selection criteria

• Demonstration of a qualitative and quantitative impact on health disparities
• Interdisciplinary science and collaborations are positively viewed

Rhoda and Bernard Sarnat International Prize in Mental Health:

Each year, a selection committee appointed by the National Academy of Medicine considers the following criteria when determining the winner of the Sarnat Prize. The Sarnat Prize is awarded to individuals, groups, or organizations that have demonstrated at least one of the following criteria:

• contributions to improve understanding of, or treatment for, mental disorders (basic biomedical or clinical research);
• innovations in mental health services (counseling, clinical care, prevention, amelioration of symptoms, or promotion of mental health); or
• accomplishments in public policy or public leadership that enhance public understanding of mental disorders, foster advances in science, improve access to or delivery of mental health services, or otherwise promote mental health.

To encourage a broad range of candidates, there are no constraints on the education, profession, or specific discipline of individuals, groups, or organizations. The Sarnat Prize may honor public figures, policy leaders, field leaders, patient advocates, health care professionals, treatment innovators, translational scientists, basic scientists, applied scientists, or any other individuals, groups or organizations with distinguished accomplishments in the field of mental health, and will be made without regard to nationality. For the purposes of the Sarnat Prize, the field of mental health is defined broadly and includes, but is not limited to, the neurosciences, psychology, social work, public health, nursing, psychiatry, economics, law, and other disciplines, as well as perspectives from those in non-profit organizations and foundations, among others.

Summary

The NAM presents awards annually to recognize singular individuals in the fields of health, medicine, and science.  The 2024 nomination period opens on January 16 and closes on May 15.  All nominations must be submitted online by the deadline of 5/15/2024 11:59 PM PT.  To submit a nomination click on the “Start Application” link above and submit prior to the deadline.

The Rhoda and Bernard Sarnat International Prize in Mental Health recognizes individuals, groups, or organizations for outstanding achievement in improving mental health. 

The David and Beatrix Hamburg Award for Advances in Biomedical Research and Clinical Medicine recognizes creative and accomplished biomedical scientists who are advancing health and the human condition around the world. 

Application deadlines

Program application deadline