ASGSR Honors, Awards and Competitions

Honors, Awards and Competitions

Founder’s Award

Description and History

This award is the highest honor given by the Society. It is made to a member of the Society for distinguished scientific contributions to, and leadership in, the field of gravitational research.

Eligibility

Eligibility details to be added.

Nomination Process

Candidates must be nominated by an active member of the Society. Nominations are solicited annually, typically opening in July, and closing in early September. Instructions for submitting nominations are included in the annual call.

Nominations open: ~July  |  Close: ~Early September

Orr Reynolds Distinguished Service Award

Description and History

This award is made to an individual for distinguished service to the Society “above and beyond the call of duty.” The award is made in honor and memory of the late Dr. Orr Reynolds, one of the founding charter members of the Society.

Eligibility

Eligibility details to be added.

Nomination Process

Candidates must be nominated by an active member of the Society. Nominations are solicited annually, typically opening in July, and closing in early September. Instructions for submitting nominations are included in the annual call.

Nominations open: ~July  |  Close: ~Early September

ASGSR Fellows

Description and History

The distinction of Fellow is awarded by the ASGSR in recognition of distinguished scientific and social contributions to the advancement of gravitational and space research in the fields of life and physical sciences in areas of research, education, mentoring, outreach, and professional and public service. Awardees may be from academia, industry, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.

Eligibility

Eligibility for the award requires that the Nominee must have demonstrable contributions of high achievement and significance by:

1. Advancement of gravitational and space science through (one or more):
   • Research in life sciences, medicine, and physical sciences (academic and industry)
   • Engineering of enabling technologies and hardware capabilities for ground- and flight-based research
   • Development and provision of vehicles, platforms, and facilities to enable any flight-based research
   • Payload development and implementation services to conduct flight-based research on any platform
   • Education, outreach, advocacy (government, public, and commercial), teaching, and mentoring
2. Minimum of 5 years of service to the society while furthering the goals of ASGSR (number of years of membership alone is not a criterion for eligibility). Former members are eligible for the award and posthumous award nominations are accepted.

Nomination Process

Candidates must be nominated by an active member of the Society. Nominations are solicited annually, typically opening in August, and closing in early September. Instructions for submitting nominations are included in the annual call.

Nominations open: ~August  |  Close: ~Early September

Mid-Career Award

Description and History

This award will specifically recognize a mid-career member of the ASGSR Society that has consistently made significant contributions to the areas of gravitational and space research. The ASGSR Mid-Career Award may be given to an individual from Academia, Government, or Industry who meets the following eligibility requirements:

Eligibility

There are three requirements for candidates to be eligible for this award. They are: 1) Is an active ASGSR member in good standing with the Society, 2) Completed their terminal degree between 10 and 20 years ago, and 3) Currently works in the field of gravitational and space research.

Nomination Process

Candidates must be nominated by an active member of the Society. Nominations are solicited annually, typically opening in July, and closing in early September. Instructions for submitting nominations are included in the annual call.

Nominations open: ~July  |  Close: ~Early September

Thora Halstead Early Career Award

Description and History

This award was established in 1994 to honor an early career scientist who exemplifies Thora’s drive and enthusiasm for science, and who has made significant contributions to the field of gravitational and space research. The award is dedicated to Dr. Thora Halstead in recognition of the years she spent encouraging young scientists to enter gravitational and space research. The award includes a cash prize, generously donated by the Halstead family and members of the Society.

Eligibility

Eligibility details to be added.

Nomination Process

Candidates must be nominated by an active member of the Society. Nominations are solicited annually, typically opening in July, and closing in early September. Instructions for submitting nominations are included in the annual call.

Nominations open: ~July  |  Close: ~Early September

President’s Award

Description and History

The President’s Award is given by the Society to the outgoing president of the Society to honor the contributions of the individual to Society.

Eligibility

The President’s Award is presented to the outgoing ASGSR President by the incoming President when the responsibility transitions from one President to the next. This typically occurs at the annual meeting banquet, before the last day of the conference and before the first official ASGSR Board meeting with the new President presiding at that Board meeting.

Student Poster & Presentation Competitions

Tom Scott Grand Prize Poster Award

Description and History

The Tom K. Scott Grand Prize Student Poster Award is given to one student each year in honor of Dr. Tom K. Scott to reflect academic and/or professional achievements in the field of gravitational and space research. Specifically, this award recognizes a student who exemplifies excellence in effective scientific communication and accurate research presentation in the annual student poster competition.

Eligibility & Evaluation Criteria

All undergraduate and graduate students who participate in the poster competition at the annual meeting are eligible for this award. During the poster competition, students and posters are evaluated by a team of ASGSR investigators based on a defined set of criteria including:

1. A rigorous, innovative, and well-designed project that clearly addresses a defined hypothesis or research objective.
2. Meaningful insights to the field of gravitational and space research, demonstrating both relevance and scientific impact.
3. Effective, clear and engaging communication of findings.
4. A visually effective and clearly organized poster.

The Tom K. Scott award is given to the one student across all categories of poster competition as a Grand Prize, highlighting the student who has shown not only top scientific merit but also a top ability to effectively share research with the broader scientific community.

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Undergraduate, Graduate and High School/Middle School Student Poster Awards

Description and History

Each year, at the annual ASGSR Conference, student poster sessions are held for three academic levels: Undergraduate, Graduate, and High School/Middle School (HS/MS) students. Within each academic level, posters are further divided into topic categories spanning both life and physical sciences, and spaceflight systems research.

Eligibility & Evaluation Criteria

All students who participate in the presentation of their poster at the annual meeting are automatically eligible and included in the student poster competition for the academic level and research category to which they have been assigned. During the poster presentation, students and posters are evaluated by a team of ASGSR investigators based on a defined set of criteria including:

1. A rigorous, innovative, and well-designed project that clearly addresses a defined hypothesis or research objective.
2. Meaningful insights to the field of gravitational and space research, demonstrating both relevance and scientific impact.
3. Effective, clear and engaging communication of findings.
4. A visually effective and clearly organized poster.

Recognition for first, second, and third place student poster presentations are given for each academic level. Recognition may also be given for student poster presentations for research categories that have a large number of posters.

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Three-minute Thesis Awards

Description and History

Each year, at the annual ASGSR Conference, a 3-minute thesis competition for undergraduate and graduate students is held.

Eligibility & Evaluation Criteria

Students who submit abstracts for the 3-minute thesis competition and who attend and present their 3-minute thesis will be included. Judges will review the student presentations and winners will be selected based on voting by the judges and by the audience through participation voting. Awards will be announced before the end of the ASGSR conference, typically at the Banquet.

Student Research Awards & Scholarships

STEAM Foundation Promising Student Research Awards

Description and History

The STEAM Foundation has established a new STEAM Foundation Promising Student Research Award to provide undergraduate and graduate students with up to $1000 in merit and/or need-based awards to support attendance and presentation at the annual ASGSR meeting.

Eligibility & Evaluation Criteria

All undergraduate and graduate students who submit abstracts that are selected for presentation at the ASGSR conference are eligible for award. Students interested in being considered for this award will be asked to provide additional input at the time they submit their abstract for the conference. Selection for awards is based on scientific merit scores for the student abstract submission and/or based on a need statement submitted by the student at the time of abstract submission.

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Abe Krikorian Promising Student Research Honorarium

Description and History

Thanks to the generosity of Dr. Howard Levine, up to two of the STEAM Foundation Promising Student Research Award winners each year will be designated as recipients of the Abe Krikorian Promising Student Research Honorarium. Abe Krikorian was one of the early leaders of ASGSB and made significant contributions to the field of plant biology. This honorarium is a way to honor his dedication and commitment to the society and the field. Learn more about Abe Krikorian.

Eligibility & Evaluation Criteria

All undergraduate and graduate students who submit the required input for the STEAM Foundation Promising Student Research Awards will automatically be included as candidates for the Abe Krikorian Promising Student Research Honorarium. The student that most exemplifies the spirit and technical acumen of Dr. Abe Krikorian will be awarded this honorarium as a special STEAM Foundation Promising Student Research Award.

ASGSR Inspiration Scholarship: Laurence Davin and Norman Lewis Prize

Description and History

The ASGSR Inspiration Scholarship: Laurence Davin and Norman Lewis Prize is designed to help inspire and motivate deserving students who, through financial or cultural circumstances, may not have considered that they can become the space life scientists of the future. Two $1000 scholarships will be awarded per year. Students may use the scholarship funds to defray college/university costs or to fund a science project or a combination of the two.

Eligibility & Evaluation Criteria

Scholarships will be awarded to juniors or seniors attending high school in the U.S. or a U.S. territory who have an interest in scientific and technical fields with the purpose of encouraging and stimulating them to become part of the next generation of Life Scientists in space research. Students who apply must meet the following criteria:

• Families facing some financial hardship and/or cultural challenges
• Those needing inspiration and incentive to pursue an education in space life sciences

Submission Requirements & Process

• Students will apply online. Go to asgsr.org/inspiration for more information.
• At least one letter of recommendation from a teacher is required. A second letter is optional.
• A high school transcript must be included with the application.
• Nominations will be reviewed and scored by a committee. Finalists will be announced on at the annual ASGSR meeting.

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ASGSR Inspiration Scholarship – Physical Sciences

Description and History

Beginning in 2026, a new category of Inspiration Scholarship will be offered by the STEAM Foundation to support high school students from similar backgrounds who are interested in the physical sciences.

Eligibility & Evaluation Criteria

Eligibility and evaluation criteria are the same as for the Laurence Davin and Norman Lewis Prize, except that students who express interest in future careers in areas of physical sciences will be considered, as opposed to life sciences.

Submission Requirements & Process

Identical to the requirements for the Laurence Davin and Norman Lewis Prize and will be submitted, reviewed, selected and awarded along with other ASGSR Inspiration Scholarships

ASGSR Student Organization Awards

ASGSR Student Design Award

Description and History

The ASGSR Student Design Award will be awarded to the winner of the annual T-shirt design competition. The winner will receive $250 and a free T-shirt with their design.

Eligibility & Evaluation Criteria

Eligibility and evaluation criteria to be determined.

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ASGSR Student Creative Challenge Award

Description and History

The ASGSR Student Creative Challenge Award will recognize the creative talents of students in the areas of creative writing, filmmaking, and art design. Winners in each of these categories will receive $250.

Eligibility & Evaluation Criteria

Eligibility and evaluation criteria to be determined.

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ASGSR Student Impact Award

Description and History

The ASGSR Student Impact Award will honor student leaders who help bring space to their local communities. Up to four winners will be selected to each receive $250.

Eligibility & Evaluation Criteria

Eligibility and evaluation criteria to be determined.

For more information on the ASGSR Student Board and student events, visit students.asgsr.org.

ASGSR Art Competition: Science in the Service of Art

Description and History

The American Society for Gravitational and Space Research (ASGSR) invites artists to submit their original work for consideration in the annual ASGSR Art Contest, held in conjunction with the ASGSR Annual Meeting. This contest celebrates the intersection of art and scientific exploration, showcasing creative works inspired by gravitational and space-related research.

Eligibility

The contest is open to all artists attending and ASGSR membership is not required.

Submission Guidelines

• All submitted work must be the original creation of the artist and must not infringe on any copyrights or intellectual property rights.
• For the ASGSR Art Contest, the “original creation” of the artist requires submission as a physical 2D (e.g. painting, drawing, or traditional print media display such as photograph or lithography) or 3D (e.g. sculpture or model) that was produced by the “attending artist” at the ASGSR meeting.
• AI-produced printed graphics are not considered “original creations” for inclusion as artistic media for the ASGSR. Computer generated images and art are permitted as long as they are the primary or derivative work of the artist, not a direct AI product. Photo editing and other forms of image processing are also permitted. For example, submitting a print of an AI-generated image that is the product of prompt-driven input which used AI to generate an image is not permitted.
• Include a brief artist statement (100–200 words) for each piece, describing the artwork, its relationship to the theme, and the artistic process.
• The ASGSR reserves the right to reject submissions that do not meet the guidelines or are deemed inappropriate.
• By submitting artwork, artists grant ASGSR permission to display their work online and in print materials related to the ASGSR Annual Meeting, and on the ASGSR website, Newsletter, Journal and other published materials.
• Submissions should include: Artist’s Name, Contact Information (email/phone), Title of Work, Medium, Dimensions, Year Created, Artist Statement.
• Deadline for submission of application materials is October 23, 2026

Technical Requirements and Display Information

Specific requirements may vary from year to year depending on the meeting location and availability of show-space.

• 2D Artwork: ASGSR will provide basic stands for the display of 2D, mounted, printed, or painted pieces. Final mounting arrangements beyond the basic stand (e.g., specific hanging hardware) are the responsibility of the artist. The maximum weight for 2D artwork is issued in the annual call for art competition.
• 3D Artwork (Sculptures and Models): ASGSR will provide a tabletop for the display of sculptures and original models. The maximum weight for 3D artwork is issued in the annual call for art competition. The artist is responsible for any specialized display needs beyond the provided tabletop.
• Artists are responsible for the delivery and retrieval of their artwork to and from the designated display area at the ASGSR Annual Meeting. Specific drop-off and pick-up times will be communicated to accepted artists.
• ASGSR is not responsible for any damage to artwork during transit or display.
• All artwork must remain on display for the duration of the ASGSR Annual Meeting.

Judging Criteria

Artwork will be judged through voting during the annual meeting, to be concluded at the conference banquet, to select the “Meeting Choice Award.” A judging committee composed of the ASGSR Bulletin Editorial Team will select a “cover piece” for the Bulletin Journal. The ASGSR Art Contest Judging Committee will also select additional awards based on:

• Creativity and originality
• Technical skill and craftsmanship
• Relevance to ASGSR
• Artistic merit and visual impact
• Clarity and coherence of the artist statement

Prizes

Prizes will be awarded in multiple categories, to be determined by the ASGSR Art Competition Organizing Committee and the ASGSR Meeting Organizing Committee.

Submission Instructions

• Artists will be asked to submit a photograph or electronic copy of their art submission, along with artist information and a brief artist statement (100–200 words) for each piece, describing the artwork, its relationship to the theme, and the artistic process.
• Specific directions are provided in the annual call for Art competition and may vary from year to year.
• The deadline for submission is typically in October, about 1–2 months prior to the annual meeting.