Call for AAS Prize Committee Volunteers

Much of the work the AAS does on behalf of the astronomical sciences community is accomplished by volunteer members. We depend on you! There are many ways to help out. We are always looking for engaged members to serve on committees, task forces, and working groups.

Right now, we’re looking to fill our 11 prize committees (including the annual selection of new AAS Fellows). In this role, committees assess nominations and give visibility to the most deserving scientists, educators, and amateur astronomers.

Award Cycle and Estimated Time Commitment

Each year, prize committee memberships are confirmed in June, and committee deliberations begin in mid-July and extend no later than late October. Committee members serve for three years. Commitment of time and effort will vary depending on the prize or award and the number of nominations received. Committee work (assessing nominations, ranking, deliberating, etc.) typically takes a few hours a week for no more than six weeks. But committees operate flexibly, to accommodate member travel and vacations over the summer. All prize selections must be complete by 24 October. Prize recipients are submitted to the AAS Secretary by November for Board of Trustees approval, and winners are announced publicly in January of the following year.

Ready to Serve? How to Sign Up

Click on the links to learn more about committee charges and past prize recipients. Contact the Secretary if you have further questions about serving and time commitments. If you’re interested in honoring incredible achievements and outstanding research, please indicate that you are ready to serve if invited to join a committee in your online member account. We will follow up with a form on which you can enter your preferences among the prize committees.

AAS Prize Committees

• AAS Fellows Selection Committee
• Annie Jump Cannon Award Committee
• Beatrice M. Tinsley Prize Committee
• Chambliss Amateur Achievement Award Committee
• Chambliss Astronomical Writing Award Committee
• Dannie Heineman Prize Committee
• Education Prize Committee
• George Van Biesbroeck Prize Committee
• Henry Norris Russell Lectureship Committee
• Joseph Weber Award Committee
• Warner/Pierce Prize Committee

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.