The NACS Award for Distinguished Service in the Advancement of Catalysis
Deadline for nominations is 15-May-2026
The NACS Award for Distinguished Service in the Advancement of Catalysis is jointly sponsored by ExxonMobil Research and Engineering and Clariant.
Purpose: To recognize an individual (every two years with a $5,000 prize) who has advanced catalytic chemistry, engineering, and/or technology by significant service to the catalysis community in addition to technical accomplishments. Travel costs are provided to the meeting where the award is presented.
Rules of Eligibility: A nominee must have demonstrated extensive contributions to the advancement of catalysis during their career. A diverse array of service contributions may be recognized by the award, including contributions and impact of the nominee as a mentor, leader, and role model. An awardee must have made these contributions to the benefit of the North American catalysis community. Valuing equity, diversity, and inclusiveness, NACS is strongly committed to recognizing exceptional individuals via a welcoming nomination and evaluation process. NACS encourages nominations of qualified individuals of all origins, races, religions, genders, and gender identities. Posthumous awards will be made only when knowledge of the awardee’s death is received after announcement of the selection jury’s decision.
The nomination materials should describe clearly, specifically, and concisely the nominee’s qualifications and accomplishments in the context of the specific award. These materials should include the following documents (submitted as a single PDF file and not exceeding the indicated length): (i) a nomination letter (1000 words); (ii) two supporting letters (800 words each); (iii) a narrative biographical note (500 words); and (iv) a curriculum vitae, including relevant positions and recognitions and a list of publications and patents. The nomination and supporting letters should be specific to the year and to the name of the award. All nomination packages (one electronic copy) for the Service Award should be sent to Jingguang Chen, President, North American Catalysis Society at jgchen@columbia.edu. Nominations for the 2027 Award will close by 15-May-2026. Receipt of any nomination will be confirmed by an email message sent to any nominator.
Previous Award Winners
- 2010 W. Nicholas Delgass
- 2012 John Armor
- 2014 Burtron H. Davis
- 2016 Gary L. Haller
- 2018 Alexis T. Bell
- 2021 Enrique Iglesia
- 2023 Stuart Soled
- 2025 Bruce Gates