The AAAS David and Betty Hamburg Award for Science Diplomacy is administered by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), one of the world’s largest and most influential scientific organizations. This award honors individuals or small groups from the scientific, engineering, or foreign affairs communities for exceptional contributions to advancing science diplomacy. AAAS, which has long supported science in service to society, has recognized science diplomacy achievements through this award since 1992, originally established as the International Scientific Cooperation Award. It was renamed in 2010 and, in 2021, was dedicated to David and Betty Hamburg for their lifelong commitment to using science as a bridge for peace, cooperation, and human well-being.
The award seeks to spotlight work at the intersection of science and international relations that contributes to solving global challenges through scientific collaboration and diplomacy. Past recipients include scientists and diplomats whose work has significantly enhanced global scientific cooperation and policymaking. Winners receive a $10,000 monetary prize, a commemorative plaque, complimentary registration and travel support to attend the AAAS Annual Meeting, and global promotion of their achievements, including a potential feature in Science & Diplomacy.
Eligibility for the award is open globally to individuals or small groups regardless of nationality or citizenship. Nominees must be alive at the time of nomination. Both nominations by others and self-nominations are accepted. The nomination package must include contact details of the nominator and nominee, a brief citation, a more detailed nomination rationale (up to three pages), a five-page CV (or compiled document for group nominees), at least one letter of support (two for self-nominations), and optionally, additional support letters and documentation that highlight the nominee's achievements.
Submissions must be completed online and in English. The 2026 nomination cycle opens on April 15, 2025, and closes on June 30, 2025. Evaluations will focus on the nominee’s role in promoting international engagement, building bridges between science and foreign policy, and the broader impacts of their work. The award is presented annually at the AAAS Annual Meeting.
Questions about the award may be directed to awards@aaas.org with the subject line "AAAS David and Betty Hamburg Award for Science Diplomacy." The AAAS Center for Science Diplomacy is located at 1200 New York Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20005, and can also be reached via phone at 202-326-6400.
