The Alan T. Waterman is the U.S. National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Highest Honor. The award recognizes an outstanding early career researcher in any field of science or engineering supported by the NSF. In addition to a medal, the awardee receives a grant of $1,000,000 to use over a five-year period for scientific research or advanced study in the mathematical, physical, biological, engineering, social, or other sciences at the institution of the recipient’s choice. Congress established the award in August 1975 to mark NSF’s 25th anniversary and honor the agency’s first director.

NSF is seeking nominations for exceptional candidates that represent the diversity of the U.S. Nominations for the 2023 Alan T Waterman Award are now being accepted through September 16, 2022.

Eligibility and selection criteria

• Nominees must:
  • Be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
  • Be 40 years of age or younger OR not be more than 10 years beyond receipt of their Ph.D. by December 31st of the year they are nominated.
• Nominees should have demonstrated exceptional individual achievements in scientific or engineering research of sufficient quality, originality, innovation and significant impact on the field to place them at the forefront of their peers.

Please visit www.nsf.gov/Waterman for information on nominations requirements and to access the nomination portal.