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THE AWARD
The Maryland Outstanding Young Scientist (OYS) and Maryland Outstanding Young Engineer (OYE) award programs were established in 1959 to recognize and celebrate extraordinary contributions of young scientists and engineers in Maryland. The award is sponsored by the Maryland Academy of Sciences and conferred by the Maryland Science Center in the hopes of encouraging the important work of young scientists and engineers in the state of Maryland, and to increase public awareness of their accomplishments. Many previous recipients of these awards have gone on to distinguished careers in science and engineering in Maryland. The award recipients receive the Allan C. Davis Medal and a cash award of $2,500.

ELIGIBIITY
A nominee for the OYS or OYE awards must meet the following requirements:

  • The nominee must be a resident of Maryland at the time of the nomination.
  • The nominee shall be no older than 35 years in the calendar year that the award is given.
  • Only nominations of individuals will be considered.
  • A nominee may be nominated for only one of these awards at any time.
  • Prior recipients of the OYS or OYE awards are not eligible. An individual previously nominated will automatically be considered for the following year's award if he/she meets the eligibility requirements of residency and age. Additional supporting material may be submitted by the original nominator if desired.

NOMINATION PROCESS
The nominator shall present primary evidence of the nominee’s original work, such as:

  • A brief statement (25 words or less) describing the nominee’s key accomplishments.
  • Copies of pertinent publications (no more than 5) including patents or other reports where appropriate. (Abstracts are not sufficient).
  • Nominee’s curriculum vitae (no more than three pages).

In addition to the nominator's letter, two letters of recommendation are to be written by professional peers who know the nominee and his/her work. The letters should be from scientists, mathematicians or engineers in the same field. It is required that at least one letter originate from the scientific and engineering community outside the nominee’s own organization. The letters should clearly identify the nominee’s contributions, explain their significance and useful application, and indicate the manner in which the nominee has demonstrated excellence. In describing the nominee’s work, writers should recognize that the judges may not be experts in the nominee’s specific branch of science, mathematics or engineering, and should describe the nominee’s work in the most generally understandable terms.

All materials must be submitted via email no later than April 1, 2009:
1. Online. Click here for an online nomination form.
2. email supporting materials to: oys_oye-awards@mdsci.org

Please note: Letters of recommendations should be sent via email along with the nomination materials AND a hard copy should be mailed to OYE OYS Awards, Maryland Science Center, 601 Light Street, Baltimore MD 21230 to ensure authenticity.

The 2008 Allan C. Davis award was presented by the Maryland Science Center in May 2008.