Overview

Nominations are submitted via the AAP website by two AAP members familiar with the candidate’s work. Nomination components include:

• A 250-word statement from the primary nominator (sponsor) describing the candidate’s most significant scientific accomplishments.
• A 250-word statement from the secondary nominator (seconder) that describes the candidate’s scientific accomplishments.
• An Annotated Bibliography that describes 5 signature publications with a 25-word annotation describing the impact of each paper and its influence on the field. Citations and a complete bibliography link are also required.
• A current CV for the candidate
• Completion of an online form with essential information about the candidate.

Sponsors and Seconders must be AAP members in good standing. These nominators may come from the candidate’s home institution but at least one external nominator supports the reach, influence and impact of the candidate’s science. AAP members should refrain from nominating their former trainees.

Primary SPONSOR

The primary SPONSOR should be an AAP member familiar with the candidate’s work.  The primary nomination should include:

• A 250-word statement describing the candidate’s scientific accomplishments. This should include:
  • New knowledge created by the candidate
  • How this discovery or new knowledge advanced the field.
• An annotated list of 5 articles written by the candidate that represent their most impactful work. This annotated bibliography should include full lists of authors, titles, journal, publication date and PMID or PMCID. A 25-word description of the manuscript’s importance should accompany each reference. If the candidate is not first or senior author, the candidate’s contribution to the work should be described.

Optional:  The SPONSOR may invite the Nominee to complete portions of the application: The sponsor may complete all information on the candidate’s behalf. Alternatively, the Sponsor may invite the candidate to assist with preparation of materials for submission. If this option is selected, the candidate will be asked to provide the following information via the AAP on line form.

SECONDER

The secondary nominator should also be an AAP member who is familiar with the candidate’s work. Their 250-word statement should complement that of the primary nominator and may elaborate on the sponsor’s statement and/or highlight additional scientific accomplishments.  

The SPONSOR and SECONDER must complete their items by October 23, 2026, and have the opportunity to review the nominee’s materials prior to final submission.

CANDIDATE

• The on-line AAP nomination form which includes key identifying information including address, demographics, current position and primary discipline.
• An updated CV.
• An Annotated Bibliography and a link to the candidate’s NCBI publication list
• The nominee’s deadline to submit is October 20, 2026.

If you would like to give the nominee the option to assist in completing the form:

• The SPONSOR logs into the AAP member portal, verifies dues are up‐to‐date, and then enters the nominee’s first name, last name, and email address in order to have the nomination form forwarded to the candidate.
• The SPONSOR must also enter his/her name and institution as well as the name/institution and email address for the Seconder.
• The SPONSOR must choose “forward the nomination form to the candidate”. Click the “Save Changes and Forward to Candidate” radial button
• Forwarding the nomination form to the candidate is optional. If you do not want the candidate to fill out the nomination form you may proceed with completing the form independently. You may need to obtain a copy of the candidate’s CV in order to do so.
• The nominee will then get an email with a link to the form. The nominee will create a password and can then start filling out the form (with the ability to save as they go).
• When the nominee submits the form, the Sponsor will receive an email and can then log back in, review the nomination, complete the Sponsor Statement and submit the nomination.
• The candidate has limited access to the nomination form and cannot view the sponsor or seconder’s statement.
• The Sponsor is responsible for ensuring completion of the Sponsor’s and Seconder’s Statements before the nomination deadline (October 23).

Once the sponsor submits the application, the seconder will be sent an email with instructions to log‐in and add their 250-word statement which will then finalize the application.

Candidates who are elected are expected to attend the AAP meeting and new members’ dinner held in Chicago each April.