ASBMB Leadership Award

The ASBMB Leadership Award recognizes individuals with a strong commitment to advancing the careers of women in biochemistry and molecular biology along with demonstrated excellence in research and/or service. The ASBMB Emerging Leadership Award and the ASBMB Sustained Leadership Award are given in alternate years.

The ASBMB Emerging Leadership Award honors an individual who is an associate professor, assistant professor or equivalent and with no more than 15 years of experience since receiving a Ph.D. and/or M.D.

The ASBMB Sustained Leadership Award recognizes an individual at the full professor or senior scientist level and with more than 15 years of experience since receiving a Ph.D. and/or M.D. Only degrees received before March 1, 2008, are eligible for this award.

The award was instituted in 2020 and is given annually by the ASBMB Women in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Committee.

The award consists of a plaque, $3,000 and travel expenses to deliver a short presentation at the ASBMB annual meeting.

Eligibility

• Both nominees and nominators must be ASBMB members.

Evaluation criteria

The Women in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Committee will evaluate all complete, eligible application packages on the following criteria:

• Candidate’s demonstrated commitment to advancing the careers of women in biochemistry and molecular biology.
• Candidate’s demonstrated excellence in research, discovery and/or service.

The following are examples of a commitment to advancing the careers of women in biochemistry and molecular biology. Evidence is not limited to the examples below, which are provided as general guidance for nominators when putting together a nomination package.

• A sustained record of mentoring women at various career stages (e.g. undergraduate, graduate postdoctoral trainees, early career faculty etc.).
• Consistent support for women and individuals from historically excluded groups within the nominee’s institution or in the community, as evidenced by the development and/or leadership of programs to support these individuals.
• Active participation in volunteer leadership in regional or national societies focused on enhancing representation and visibility of women in STEM.
• Development or leadership of camps or mentoring programs for women/girls in STEM.
• Development of online networking resources to advance the representation of women in STEM (e.g. 500 Women Scientists).
• A sustained record of volunteering and working in STEM with at-risk girls.
• Development of counseling or career planning programs for girls in STEM.
• Development of initiatives or policies to create a more inclusive culture in STEM with respect to gender equity.

Nomination process

Submit the following:

1. Nomination letter listing nominee's achievements (not to exceed two pages)
2. Condensed curriculum vitae (note the Ph.D. or M.D. degree and date received)
3. Two letters of support (required)

Please use the member directory to verify that the nominee is an active member of the ASBMB.