Call for AAS Prize Committee Volunteers
Diane Frendak American Astronomical Society (AAS)
The AAS depends on our members to serve on committees, task forces, and working groups to get work done on behalf of the astronomical sciences community. Volunteer opportunities abound but here we’re putting out the call for the Society’s prize and award committees. In this role, members assess nominations and give visibility to deserving scientists, educators, and amateur astronomers.
Estimated Time Commitment and Award Cycle
Commitment in terms of time and effort will vary depending on the prize or award. Volunteer positions have terms of three years that typically begin in June and committee action items (assessing nominations, ranking, deliberating, etc.) take a few hours a week for about six weeks. The Fellows Prize Selection Committee has the largest number of nominations to review each year — around 60 or so, compared to 10 to 15 for other committees. Nominations are usually due by 30 June of each year; prize recipients are identified and submitted to the AAS Secretary by November for Board of Trustees approval before winners are announced in January of the following year.
Ready to Serve? How to Sign Up
Click on the links to learn more about committee charges, terms, histories, and current serving members. Contact the committee chair/co-chairs if you have further questions about serving and time commitments. If you’re interested in honoring incredible achievements and outstanding research, please indicate indicate that you are ready to serve if invited to join a committee in your online member account. Please name your top choice prize committee and one alternate in the text box on the volunteer sign up form.
Career Stage Award Committees
- AAS Fellows Selection Committee
- Annie Jump Cannon Award Committee
- Dannie Heineman Prize Committee
- Henry Norris Russell Lectureship Committee
- Warner/Pierce Prize Committee
Topical Prize Committees
- Beatrice M. Tinsley Prize Committee
- Chambliss Amateur Achievement Award Committee
- Chambliss Astronomical Writing Award Committee
- Education Prize Committee
- George Van Biesbroeck Prize Committee
- Joseph Weber Award Committee
Travel and Research Grant Committees
Serving as a volunteer for a prize committee is a great way to become more involved in your professional community and network with peers. Please consider donating your time and making a meaningful contribution to our field.