Distinguished Science Awards

In 1980, the Iowa Academy of Science established the IAS Distinguished Awards Program to recognize the best contributions of Iowans to science research, science education, and service to science. The IAS Recognition and Awards Committee accepts nominations for the four Distinguished Science Awards categories through the first Friday in February each year. Nominations must be made by IAS members.

The Distinguished Fellow Award award is the highest honor the Academy can bestow upon an individual, and is intended to recognize exceptional scholarly activity and/or exceptional service to the scientific community at the national and international levels. Although the individual need not be a current resident of Iowa, his/her background and accomplishments should, in some manner, relate to Iowa . Distinguished Fellows receive life membership in the Academy. Past Awardees

The Distinguished Service Award is presented to an individual, group, or organization for exceptional service in the areas of science, technology, or the application of science to public service. Contributions recognized by this award need not be in the form of research. To be considered, an organization or individual must be one whose scientific service or location is closely related to Iowa . Past Awardees

The Distinguished Iowa Scientist Award award is intended for an individual deserving recognition within his or her own area of science and whose accomplishments have state-wide recognition by members of Iowa 's scientific community. The award is made primarily on the basis of exceptional scientific research and scholarly activity. In most instances, this individual would be a resident of Iowa. Past Awardees

The Distinguished Iowa Science Teaching Award is intended to acknowledge, honor, and promote meritorious undergraduate collegiate science teaching. Exceptional and innovative teaching is recognized for those whose teaching is at an Iowa college or university. Eligible disciplines include all sciences, mathematics, and the science-based technical disciplines. Letters of support from three current or former students of the nominee are required for nomination. Past Awardees

Download the Distinguished Science Awards Call for Nominations for more information. [.pdf]

Excellence in Science Teaching Awards (ESTA)

The Iowa Academy of Science awarded the first Excellence in Science Teaching Awards in 1954. 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 a committee of IAS members.

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 an ESTA Brochure [.pdf] or view nomination instructions.

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 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 IJAS Director 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".

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.