Dr. Mark Atkinson, Dr. Sean Hearne, & Dr. Maura McLaughlin
SURA Distinguished Scientist Award
The SURA Distinguished Scientist Award is presented annually to recognize up to two research scientists from SURA member institutions whose extraordinary work fulfills the SURA mission to “advance collaborative research and strengthen the scientific capabilities of its members and the nation.”
The award is presented at the SURA Annual Membership meeting in Washington, D.C., and includes a $5,000 honorarium.
For questions, please contact SURA Director of Business Development, Dr. Elizabeth Kocs at ekocs@sura.org.
Submission Process
SURA welcomes nominations from all SURA member institutions for Distinguished Scientist Award. A complete nomination package must include:
- A concise nomination letter describing the nominee’s qualification, an award citation from the institution’s President, and full contact information for the nominee.
- A comprehensive and current curriculum vitæ or biographical sketch of the nominee.
- Up to three (3) letters of endorsement (maximum two pages each). Letters from outside the nominee’s home institution are particularly encouraged.
Only one nomination per institution is accepted. The nomination period closes on February 9, 2026, at 5 p.m. EST. Nominations must be submitted electronically by the SURA member institution representative to SURA Director of Business Development, Dr. Elizabeth Kocs at ekocs@sura.org.
Past Awardees
Spring 2024: SURA Presents Distinguished Scientist Awards to Dr. Jizhong Zhou and Dr. Chryssa Kouveliotou
Spring 2023: SURA Presents Distinguished Scientist Awards to Dr. Linsey Marr & Dr. Sherry Yennello
Spring 2022: SURA Presents Distinguished Scientist Awards to Dr. Mark Atkinson & Dr. Maura McLaughlin
Spring 2019: Florida Atlantic Brain Researcher Named Distinguished Scientist & SURA Honors Texas A&M Professor as Distinguished Scientist
Spring 2018: LIGO Researcher Honored as SURA Distinguished Scientist &
SURA Honors UF Plant Biologist as Distinguished Scientist
Spring 2017: SURA Honors Texas University Professor As Distinguished Scientist
Spring 2016: GA Tech Nanotech Professor Honored As Distinguished Scientist
Spring 2015: SURA Honors Florida Pharmacy Dean As Distinguished Scientist
Spring 2014: SURA Honors Georgia Tech Biologist As Distinguished Scientist
Spring 2013: Rice University IT Professor Named SURA Distinguished Scientist
Spring 2012: SURA Honors University of Georgia Chemist As Distinguished Scientist
Spring 2011: U of SC Chemist Named SURA Distinguished Scientist
Spring 2010: UT Austin Professor Named SURA Distinguished Scientist
Spring 2009: SURA Names U of TX Chemist “Distinguished Scientist”
Spring 2008: U of FL Microbiologist Named SURA Distinguished Scientist
Spring 2007: UGA Biologist, Wessler, Named SURA Distinguished Scientist
SURA Distinguished Friend of Science Award is no longer an active award. It was presented to individuals whose extraordinary efforts fulfilled the SURA mission to “advance collaborative research and education and to strengthen the scientific capabilities of its members and the nation.” The award was presented to individuals whose extraordinary efforts in the private sector, or in a federal, state or local governmental capacity serve, or have served, to fulfill the SURA mission. The award came with a $10,000 honorarium, which was to be designated to a higher education charitable cause.
Fall 2012: SURA to Honor Task Force for American Innovation
Fall 2011: SURA to Honor Former NSF Director, White House Science Advisor
Fall 2010: SURA to Honored Former Governor Robb
Fall 2009: Augustine Honored with Friend of Science Award
Fall 2007: Senator Warner Awarded “Friend of Science” by SURA
Fall 2006: Senator Alexander Honored with “Friend of Science” Award