American Association for the Advancement of Science Awards

Eligibility

The deadline is June 30, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET for most awards, except for the AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Award, which is due Aug 1, 2025.

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is committed to equal opportunity for all persons, without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected categories. AAAS seeks as diverse a pool of award nominations as possible, including as well a wide range of disciplines, institutional types, and geographical locations.

See individual award opportunities for eligibility requirements.  

Summary

To recognize scientists, engineers, authors, journalists, and public servants for significant contributions to science and the public’s understanding of science, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) sponsors a wide range of awards and prizes.

AAAS David and Betty Hamburg Award for Science Diplomacy 

The AAAS David and Betty Hamburg Award for Science Diplomacy recognizes an individual or a small group working together in the scientific, engineering, or foreign affairs communities making an outstanding contribution to furthering science diplomacy.

AAAS Award for Scientific Freedom and Responsibility

AAAS Award for Scientific Freedom and Responsibility honors scientists, engineers, and their organizations whose exemplary actions have demonstrated scientific freedom and/or responsibility in challenging circumstances.

AAAS Early Career Award for Public Engagement with Science

The AAAS Early Career Award for Public Engagement with Science recognizes early-career scientists and engineers who demonstrate excellence in their contribution to public engagement with science activities.

AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards - deadline Aug 1, 2025

The AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards honor distinguished reporting on science by professional journalists. Made possible by a generous endowment by The Kavli Foundation, the contest is open to journalists worldwide.

AAAS Mani L. Bhaumik Award for Public Engagement with Science

The AAAS Mani L. Bhaumik Award for Public Engagement with Science recognizes scientists and engineers who demonstrate excellence in their contribution to public engagement with science.

John P. McGovern Award Lecture in the Behavioral Sciences

The John P. McGovern Award Lecture in the Behavioral Sciences honors outstanding behavioral scientists from around the world. The lecture was endowed by the John P. McGovern Foundation.

AAAS Mentor Awards

The AAAS Mentor Awards recognize individuals who during their careers demonstrate extraordinary leadership to increase the participation of underrepresented groups in science and engineering fields and careers.

AAAS Newcomb Cleveland Prize

The AAAS Newcomb Cleveland Prize, supported by The Fodor Family Trust, was established in 1923 and is awarded annually to the author or authors of an outstanding paper published in the Research Articles or Reports sections of Science.

AAAS Philip Hauge Abelson Prize

The Philip Hauge Abelson Prize was established to be awarded to someone who has made significant contributions to the scientific community — whether through research, policy, and/or civil service — in the United States.

Application deadlines

Program application deadline

The submission portals for most awards opened on April 15, 2025. The deadline is June 30, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET. Award winners will be announced in early 2026. For general information on each award, please visit the corresponding link below. 

The AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards will begin accepting entries on May 1, 205 and the deadline us August 1, 2025.