AAAS Mentor Awards 2026

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is accepting applications for its prestigious Mentor Awards 2026. These awards celebrate individuals who have demonstrated exceptional mentorship and leadership in promoting diversity in STEM fields.

🌟 About AAAS Mentor Awards

The AAAS Mentor Awards recognize individuals who have guided underrepresented students toward advanced degrees and fostered inclusive academic environments.

Key Details:

• Sponsor Organization: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

🎁 Benefits of AAAS Mentor Awards

Recipients of the AAAS Mentor Awards will receive:

• Lifetime Mentor Award:

  • Prize: $5,000
  • Eligibility: Served as a mentor for 25 or more years

• Mentor Award:

  • Prize: $5,000
  • Eligibility: Served as a mentor for less than 25 years

• Additional Benefits for Both Categories:

  • Monetary prize
  • Commemorative plaque
  • Complimentary registration for the AAAS Annual Meeting
  • Reimbursement for reasonable travel and hotel expenses

✅ Eligibility Criteria

The award is open to all individuals, regardless of nationality or citizenship, who have mentored students at a U.S. institution. Nominees must be living at the time of their nomination.

Specific Requirements:

• Lifetime Mentor Award: Served as a mentor for 25 or more years
• Mentor Award: Served as a mentor for less than 25 years

Selection Criteria:

Nominees will be evaluated based on the following:

• Mentored a significant number of students from underrepresented groups (e.g., women, African American, Native American, Hispanic men, and people with disabilities) who earned PhDs in STEM fields.
• Shaped or impacted the climate of a department, college, or institution to significantly increase diversity among students earning STEM PhDs.
• Demonstrated continued interest in the educational and professional development of students during and after their pursuit of STEM PhDs.
• Provided psychological support, encouragement, and essential strategies for life in the scholarly community.

📝 Application Process

Submission Requirements:

Nominations must be submitted via the award portal. Applicants will need to provide:

1. Brief Citation: A 25-30 word description of the nominee's accomplishments.
2. Nomination Rationale: A detailed explanation (maximum 3 pages) of how the nominee reflects the purpose of the award, including scholarship, activism, and community building.
3. Curriculum Vitae: Maximum 5 pages.
4. List of Underrepresented Students Mentored:
   • Templates:
     • Bachelor’s & Master’s Student List
     • PhD Student List
5. Supporting Letters:
   • Maximum of five letters from students.
   • Maximum of three letters from colleagues.

Additional Notes:

• Nominees can be nominated up to three times. If nominating someone who has been nominated previously, indicate this in the Nomination Rationale.

📅 Application Deadline

30 June, 2026

🔗 Opportunity Application

For more details, visit the AAAS Mentor Awards page.
To apply, visit the AAAS Mentor Awards application portal.

• Lifetime Mentor Award: A prize of $5,000 will be awarded.
• Mentor Award: A prize of $5,000 will be awarded.
• Both award category recipients receive: A monetary prize, a commemorative plaque, complimentary registration, and reimbursement for reasonable travel and hotel expenses to attend the AAAS Annual Meeting.