Distinguished Science Awards

The contributions of Iowa's Scientific Community have transformed our world view, protected our natural heritage and fostered succeeding generations of eager science researchers. In recognition of the best contributions of Iowans to science research, science education, and service to science, the Iowa Academy of Science established the Distinguished Science Awards Program in 1980. The Recognition and Awards Committee accepts nominations for the four award categories through the first Friday in February each year and makes recommendations for awards to the IAS Board of Directors by March 1st. The Awards are announced and the winners celebrated at the President's Banquet during the Iowa Academy of Science Annual Meeting. Download the Distinguished Science Award Program Brochure.

Distinguished Fellow Award
The highest award given by the Iowa Academy of Science, the Distinguished Fellow Award is intended to recognize exceptional scholarly activity to the scientific community at the national and international levels. Awardees receive a life time membership as a Distinguished Fellow of the Academy. Past Awardees

Distinguished Iowa Science Teaching Award
The Distinguished Iowa Science Teaching Award recognizes exceptional university and college faculty in science fields for their innovative science teaching. Past Awardees

Distinguished Iowa Scientist Award
This award is intended for individuals deserving recognition within his or her own area of science and who's accomplishments have gained state-wide acclaim. Past Awardees

Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award is given to organizations and individuals for exceptional service in the areas of science, technology or the application of science to public service. Past Awardees

Excellence in Science Teaching Awards (ESTA)

The Iowa Academy of Science awarded the first Excellence in Science Teaching Awards in 1969. Outstanding teachers of all grade levels and areas of science have been recognized for their work and innovations in science education. Nominations are encouraged from administrators, colleagues, or a teacher may self-nominate. Selections are made by the Awards and Recognition Committee. Winners are honored at a luncheon during the Iowa Academy of Science Annual Meeting. Awardees receive a plaque and a $200 award. Past Awardees

	Nominations are accepted in the following categories: Physical Science (physics, chemistry, and physical science) Life Science (biology, anatomy/physiology, life science) Earth/Space Science/Environmental Science General/Multiple Science (integrated science, interdisciplinary courses, multiple preps) Middle School/Junior High Science Elementary Science (two awards may be given/year)
Download the ESTA Brochure or if you are nominating a colleague view nomination instructions. History of IAS Science Teaching Awards

Iowa Junior Academy of Science Awards

The Outstanding Science Student Award (OSSA) is designed to honor a deserving senior high school student from each IJAS member high school. Each OSSA winner receives an Outstanding Science Student medallion engraved with his/her name and a certificate.

Two 9th-11th grade IJAS members who compete at the IAS Annual Meeting participants are selected each year as the Iowa delegates to the American Junior Academy of Sciences national conference. These students travel with the Student Program Committee Chair to the conference, where they present their award winning scientific research. In addition, two seniors are awarded $500 tuition scholarships and one middle school student is named "Most Promising Young Scientist". Learn more about the Iowa Junior Academy of Science on the public pages of the IJAS Wiki-Handbook.

Historical IAS Awards

The Iowa Academy of Science Centennial Awards - As a part of the observance of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Iowa Academy of Science, special recognition was given to individuals and groups for their contributions to the advancement of the objectives of the Academy in the promotion of interest in science, in science research, and the dissemination of scientific knowledge. All persons, businesses, organizations, and boards who had contributed to these goals were eligible for nomination. The IAS Recognition and Awards Committee evaluated all nominations and determined the nature of the awards given. A number of Centennial Citations were awarded.

Between 1973 and 1979, IAS presented Awards of Merit.