Cecil Awards, Descriptions, Categories and Nomination Process
Information about the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Cecil Awards.
Awards Descriptions
The Cecil Awards were established by the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) to recognize staff throughout the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine whose sustained service has contributed importantly to progress toward the NAM Mission. The NAM’s Mission is to improve health for all by advancing science, accelerating health equity, and providing independent, authoritative, and trusted advice nationally and globally.
Each year, NAM presents three Cecil Awards, recognizing and celebrating the contributions of staff from throughout various parts of the Academies. Each Award is accompanied by a cash award of $4,000, with a commemorative medal and certificate presented by the NAM President.
Award Categories
The Sandra H. Matthews Cecil Award for Administrative Excellence recognizes a current or recent administrative-, management-, project-, or research-support staff member within the Academies whose significant and sustained support (5+ years) has contributed importantly to activities advancing the mission of the National Academy of Medicine.
The Cecil Award for Individual Excellence recognizes a current or recent activity director or research support staff person who has made substantial contributions to the development and implementation of reports and activities of exceptional quality and influence in advancing the mission of the National Academy of Medicine. Ideally, individuals nominated will have provided sustained service (5+ years) within the Academies, demonstrating commitment to both the scientific excellence and impact of their activities, as measured not only by high visibility and response at the time of release, but also by sustained influence over time in shaping a field and/or calling attention to unrecognized or under-appreciated issues.
The Cecil Award for Excellence of a Group/Team recognizes a staff group or team within the Academies, which has made substantial contributions to the development and implementation of activities of exceptional quality, influence, and importance in advancing the NAM’s mission, as measured not only by high visibility and response related to their work, but also by exemplifying how teamwork can promote sustained influence in shaping a field, calling attention to unrecognized or under-appreciated issues, or helping set the stage for scientific advancement in health and medicine.
Eligibility
All members of the National Academies staff except NAS, NAE, NAM, and NRC executive officers, executive directors, and the heads of major operating units are eligible to receive the Cecil Awards.
Nomination Process
Any member of the National Academies’ staff, committee, or collaborative activity may nominate a NASEM staff member for a Cecil Award. The NAM’s Office of Council and Membership Services (OCMS) will send notifications to the appropriate NASEM staff and select committee/Forum chairs, announcing the opening of the nomination period and the deadline for submissions. OCMS will use a web-based nomination system. In addition to identifying the name of the nominee for a specific Cecil Award, nominators will provide a brief narrative statement of support, citing specific activities or achievements, which may be confirmed by appropriate board directors. The narrative should be as detailed and specific as possible in describing the contribution the nominee has made within the given word limit.
