Outstanding Young Scientist

Nominations for the recognition of achievement will be considered in two primary sub categories:

• Applied or Theoretical Research in Science – (Academic Track)
• Direct Application of Science – (Non Academic Track)

In an effort to broaden and diversify our candidates from traditional academic domains subject areas may include but are not limited to:

• Astronomy
• Pharmaceuticals
• Medicine
• Environment
• Infrastructure
• Sustainability
• Nanotechnology
• Public Health
• Information Technology/Security
• Agriculture
• Aerospace

Academic Track Nomination Criteria: 

Nominees must be Maryland residents 35 years of age and under. Their work should be well known nationally and internationally due to a sizable publication record in refereed international journals. The reference letters supporting the nomination should come from scientists that are well known in the nominee’s field. Important factors in the final decision are: contribution of the candidate’s work to the advancement of his/her field of research, the possibility that this work could become a game changer in its field of research, and the prospect of the candidate to rise to national and international prominence in the next 5-10 years.

Non-Academic Track Nomination Criteria: 

The award may be bestowed for a wide variety of achievements, directed to the practical applications of science. These awards are considered the highest state-wide professional honor and will be granted to a scientist who has been instrumental in implementing a novel approach to solve a difficult and previously unsolved problem. The ideal candidate will, through a combination of technical excellence, vision and leadership, have overcome obstacles to implement a novel solution that impacts people in a positive way. Based on this high standard it is not expected that an award will be made in every year. Nominees must be Maryland residents 40 years of age and under.

The individual placing a nomination of a young scientist must:

1. Obtain permission from the nominee to submit materials on his/her behalf and assurances that the nominee is eligible to receive the award and, if selected, the nominee will accept the award and attend the Annual Awards Ceremony and Reception at the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore, MD;
2. Complete and submit the online Nomination Form and all of the following:
   1. A detailed and signed letter of nomination on letterhead (see details below);
   2. Either a scholarly publication of the nominee’s that demonstrates the achievements for which the nominee is being put forth for recognition, or other documentation suitable to demonstrate the depth, breadth, and impact of the work for which the nominator suggests recognition is appropriate, including patents or other reports;
   3. Nominee’s current curriculum vitae or resume (no more than 3 pages); and,
   4. Two (2) additional letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the nominee’s work (see details below).

Nomination Form:

To make a nomination for Outstanding Young Scientist, please download and complete the Nomination Form. Once completed, please send by email along with all other nomination materials to oysoyeawards@www.mdsci.org.

Letter of Nomination: 

The Letter of Nomination must be signed and submitted on letterhead and include a description of the work for which the nominee’s name is being submitted; identification of any awards or recognition received for that work; an explanation of the nature and quality of the nominee’s work and its impact upon scientific research, the nominee’s field, and/or the broader world; and the nominator’s relationship to the nominee.

Letters of Recommendation: 

Letters of Recommendation must be signed and submitted on letterhead and tendered by individuals familiar with and able to evaluate the nominee’s work. One of the letters must be written by someone outside the nominee’s organization. (Note: a different department does not constitute a different organization.)

All letters and other supporting material must be submitted via email to oysoyeawards@www.mdsci.org.

Nominations for the 2026 award must be received by February 27, 2026. Winners will be notified during the week of March 16, 2026. 

Materials submitted become the property of the Maryland Science Center and will not be returned. 

The individual placing a nomination of a young scientist must:

1. Obtain permission from the nominee to submit materials on his/her behalf and assurances that the nominee is eligible to receive the award and, if selected, the nominee will accept the award and attend the Annual Awards Ceremony and Reception at the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore, MD;
2. Complete and submit the online Nomination Form and all of the following:
   1. A detailed and signed letter of nomination on letterhead (see details below);
   2. Documentation suitable to demonstrate the depth, breadth, and impact of the work for which the nominator suggests recognition is appropriate, including reports, publications, project profiles, patents or etc.
   3. Nominee’s current curriculum vitae or resume; and,
   4. Two (2) additional letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the nominee’s work (see details below).

Nomination Form:

To make a nomination for Outstanding Young Scientist, please download and complete the Nomination Form. Once completed, please send by email along with all other nomination materials to oysoyeawards@www.mdsci.org.

Letter of Nomination:

The Letter of Nomination must be signed and submitted on letterhead and include a description of the work for which the nominee’s name is being submitted; identification of any awards or recognition received for that work; an explanation of the nature and quality of the nominee’s work and its impact upon scientific research, the nominee’s field, and/or the broader world; and the nominator’s relationship to the nominee.

Letters of Recommendation: 

Letters of Recommendation must be signed and submitted on letterhead and tendered by individuals familiar with and able to evaluate the nominee’s work. One of the letters must be written by someone outside the nominee’s organization. (Note: a different department or division does not constitute a different organization.)

All letters and other supporting material must be submitted via email to oysoyeawards@www.mdsci.org.

Nominations for the 2026 award must be received by February 27, 2026. Winners will be notified during the week of March 16, 2026. 

Materials submitted become the property of the Maryland Science Center and will not be returned.