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AAS Annual Awards

Since 1971, the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) has recognized outstanding contributions to the field of suicide prevention by honoring individuals and organizations whose work has empowered communities, inspired hope, and prevented suicide. Presented each year at the annual conference, these awards celebrate excellence across research, service, civic engagement, and advocacy.

Questions? Email Robert Coffey, Senior Programs Manager (rcoffey@suicidology.org).

Now Accepting Award Nominations

The American Association of Suicidology is accepting nominations for the AAS Annual Awards and Citizen Scientist Awards.

The AAS Annual Awards will be presented at the 60th Annual Conference (AAS27), April 11-15, 2027, at the Hyatt Regency Dallas (Dallas, TX). AAS Annual Award recipients will receive a recognition award, complimentary conference registration (excluding pre-conference workshops), and one complimentary hotel night at the Hyatt Regency Dallas. Additionally, recipients of the Louis I. Dublin Award and the Edwin S. Shneidman Award will be invited to present at AAS27.

Submit a Nomination 2026 Recipients

AAS Annual Award Categories

Research

Louis I. Dublin Award

A lifetime achievement award for outstanding services and contributions to the field, as evidenced by exceptional leadership, devotion, and creativity in advancing suicide prevention.

Edwin S. Shneidman Award

Honors an individual under forty years of age, or within ten years of their highest degree earned, who has made significant contributions to suicidology research

Morton M. Silverman Student Award

Recognizes a full-time student or trainee pursuing a degree who has authored a paper directly related to suicidology and demonstrated academic excellence.

Service

Roger J. Tierney Service Award

Honors distinguished service advancing the mission, principles, and growth of AAS and/or applied contributions to suicidology and crisis intervention.

Transforming Lived Experience Award

Recognizes an individual who has survived their own suicidal experiences and transformed that lived experience into impactful suicide prevention, intervention, advocacy, or recovery work.

Loss Survivor Award

Acknowledges a suicide loss survivor who has transformed personal loss into meaningful suicide prevention, intervention, or postvention advocacy.

Accredited Services

Nominees for this category must be accredited by the American Association of Suicidology.

Crisis Provider Excellence Award

Recognizes an accredited service for excellence and dedication to crisis response and/or suicide prevention.

Crisis Innovation Award

Recognizes a nonprofit entity, program, training, or event that has made significant contributions to the professionalization of crisis services in alignment with the national vision for a comprehensive crisis continuum.

Suicide Prevention Program Award

Recognizes an accredited suicide prevention helpline, warmline, or chat/text service provider for excellence in service delivery.

Nomination Process

To submit a nomination for Research, Service, and Accredited Services awards:

Nominations close on November 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST. Award recipients will be notified via email and must confirm attendance at the annual conference by January 15, 2027 (11:59 PM EST).

Eligibility
Eligibility requirements vary by award category. Current AAS Board Members are not eligible to receive awards during their tenure.

Citizen Scientist Award Categories

The Citizen Scientist Awards recognize individuals who demonstrate outstanding contributions to suicide research while embodying a strong commitment to civic engagement. These awards honor those who extend their impact beyond formal academic or professional responsibilities to make a meaningful difference in their communities and the broader field of suicide prevention.

In addition to excellence in research, recipients must demonstrate a commitment to voluntary civic-minded activities, such as community service, public dissemination of science, advocacy, and other initiatives that support the mission of suicide prevention. Activities performed solely as part of coursework or professional assignments, though important, do not meet the criteria for this award.

Nominations close on October 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.

Recipients of the Citizen Scientist Student Award and Citizen Scientist Professional Award may not come from the same research lab in a given year. If nominees from the same lab are under consideration for both awards, the award committee will determine which nominee is selected. A former Citizen Scientist Student Award recipient may be considered for a Citizen Scientist Professional Award once the recipient has entered a professional role. Otherwise, an individual may not receive the same Citizen Scientist Award more than once.

Student

The Citizen Scientist Student Award recognizes a graduate student who exemplifies the dual commitment to research productivity and civic engagement. Review of nominations will consider the student’s entire graduate career rather than only the most recent academic year. Ideal candidates will demonstrate excellence in both domains. Nominations for students who excel solely in either research or civic engagement will not be competitive.

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Recognition:

Professional

The Citizen Scientist Professional Award honors a professional who has demonstrated exceptional mentorship by fostering research excellence and civic mindedness in their students. The focus of this award is on the nominee’s ability to cultivate these values in others, not their own personal achievements. Evaluation will consider the achievements of students mentored over the past five years, reflecting sustained impact and commitment.

Nomination Material(s):

Award Amount:

Recognition: