logo

National Academy of Engineering Awards

The National Academy of Engineering salutes leaders in engineering for their lifetime dedication to their field and their commitment to advancing the human condition through great engineering achievement and/or through innovation in engineering and technology education. The NAE dedicates more than $1 million annually to recognize these leaders and to bring better understanding of the importance of engineering and engineering education to society.

If you have any questions, please contact Deborah Young, Awards Program Manager at dyoung@nae.edu, (202) 334-1266, or refer to the 2025-2026 Awards Guide.

The Call for Nominations for the 2025-2026 NAE Awards is open from January 1, 2025, to April 1, 2025 for the following awards:

2026 Charles Stark Draper Prize for Engineering

2026 Charles Stark Draper Prize for Engineering - $500,000 Cash Award

Recognized as one of the world’s preeminent awards for engineering achievement, this prize honors an engineer whose accomplishment has significantly impacted society by improving quality of life, providing the ability to live freely and comfortably, and/or permitting access to information. The Draper Prize is awarded biennially and recognizes achievements in all engineering disciplines. [ Learn more ]

2026 Bernard M. Gordon Prize for Innovation in Engineering and Technology Education

2026 Bernard M. Gordon Prize for Innovation in Engineering and Technology Education - $500,000 Cash Award

The intent of the Gordon Prize, which is awarded annually, is to recognize new modalities and experiments in education that develop effective engineering leaders. The focus is on innovations such as curricular design, teaching methods, and technology-enabled learning that strengthen students’ capabilities and desire to grow into leadership roles. [ Learn more ]

2025 Simon Ramo Founders Award

2025 Simon Ramo Founders Award

This annual award honors an outstanding NAE member or international member who has upheld the ideals and principles of the NAE through professional, educational, and personal achievement and accomplishment. [ Learn more ]

2025 Arthur M. Bueche Award

2025 Arthur M. Bueche Award

The honor of this annual award is bestowed on an engineer who has shown dedication in science and technology, as well as active involvement in determining U.S. science and technology policy, promoting technological development, and contributing to the enhancement of the relationship between industries, government, and universities. [ Learn more ]

2025 J. C. Hunsaker Award in Aeronautical Engineering

2025 J. C. Hunsaker Award in Aeronautical Engineering - $50,000 Cash Award

Established by Professor and Mrs. Jerome C. Hunsacker, this award honors excellence in the field of aeronautical engineering. [ Learn more ]

NAE Award Process

2025-2026 NAE Awards

1. Register (Non-Members only)

Click on the "Register" link and complete and submit the registration form.

2. Login

For Non-Members: select the Non-Member login button and enter your email and password.

3. Create

Create your online Nomination. For a list of required information and attachments, please review the 2025-2026 Awards Guide

4. Save

During the Call for Nominations period, your nomination can be saved as DRAFT until all the required information is completed and attachments uploaded. As each section is complete, you will see a appear in the category tab when the Nomination is saved. Please ensure that all attachments are in Acrobat PDF format. At any time, you can download and print your Nomination by clicking on the icon in the Nomination Summary section.

5. Submit

On completion, save your Nomination as FINAL. Download and print a copy of your Nomination for your records by clicking on the icon in the Nomination Summary section in the right column. Note: If an update is required prior to the Call for Nominations period, you can make the update and resave as FINAL.

If you require assistance or additional information, please contact Deborah Young.

Award Guide

The Call for Nominations for the NAE Awards is open January 1, 2025 to April 1, 2025.

Charles Stark Draper Prize for Engineering

Charles Stark Draper Prize for Engineering - $500,000 Cash Award OPEN

Recognized as one of the world’s preeminent awards for engineering achievement, this prize honors an engineer whose accomplishment has significantly impacted society by improving quality of life, providing the ability to live freely and comfortably, and/or permitting access to information. The Draper Prize is awarded biennially and recognizes achievements in all engineering disciplines. [ Learn more ]

Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ Prize - $500,000 Cash Award

Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ Prize - $500,000 Cash Award CLOSED

Awarded biennially, the Russ Prize recognizes a bioengineering achievement in widespread use that improves the human condition. This achievement should help the public better understand and appreciate the contributions of engineers to our health, well-being and quality of life. An auxiliary purpose of the Russ Prize is to encourage collaboration between the engineering and medical/biological disciplines and professions. [ Learn more ]

Bernard M. Gordon Prize for Innovation in Engineering and Technology Education

Bernard M. Gordon Prize for Innovation in Engineering and Technology Education - $500,000 Cash Award OPEN

The intent of the Gordon Prize, which is awarded annually, is to recognize new modalities and experiments in education that develop effective engineering leaders. The focus is on innovations such as curricular design, teaching methods, and technology-enabled learning that strengthen students’ capabilities and desire to grow into leadership roles. [ Learn more ]

Simon Ramo Founders Award

Simon Ramo Founders Award OPEN

This annual award honors an outstanding NAE member or international member who has upheld the ideals and principles of the NAE through professional, educational, and personal achievement and accomplishment. [ Learn more ]

Arthur M. Bueche Award

Arthur M. Bueche Award OPEN

The honor of this annual award is bestowed on an engineer who has shown dedication in science and technology, as well as active involvement in determining U.S. science and technology policy, promoting technological development, and contributing to the enhancement of the relationship between industries, government, and universities. [ Learn more ]

Gibbs Brothers Medal - $20,000 Cash Award

Gibbs Brothers Medal - $20,000 Cash Award CLOSED

This award is for outstanding contributions in the field of naval architecture and marine engineering. It was established through the Gibbs Brothers Fund by gift of William Francis Gibbs and Frederic H. Gibbs. [ Learn more ]

J. C. Hunsaker Award in Aeronautical Engineering

J. C. Hunsaker Award in Aeronautical Engineering - $50,000 Cash Award OPEN

Established by Professor and Mrs. Jerome C. Hunsacker, this award honors excellence in the field of aeronautical engineering. [ Learn more ]


First-time visitors

Register to create a profile, then log in to start your nomination.

Join the NAE Awards Mailing List

Join the NAE Awards mailing list to be notified of updates regarding the awards program.

Contact Us

National Academy of Engineering
NAE Awards
500 Fifth Street NW
Washington DC 20001
Phone: (202) 334-1266
Email:   awards@nae.edu
National Academy of Engineering