The Division of Biological Chemistry, often in collaboration with core ACS publications, administers a number of awards, while also providing financial assistance for our members in the early stages of their career to attend both ACS National Meetings and non-ACS meetings of interest to members of our division.

Division of Biological Chemistry Awards

Abeles and Jencks Award for the Chemistry of Biological Processes

PURPOSE To acknowledge and encourage outstanding contributions to the understanding of the chemistry of biological processes, with particular emphasis on structure, function, and mechanism. The Award is administered by the Division of Biological Chemistry (DBC) of the American Chemical Society (ACS). NATURE The award consists of a $6,000 honorarium and a medal. The award is presented… Read More


Bristol Myers Squibb Award in Enzyme Chemistry

New for 2023! The Bristol Myers Squibb Award in Enzyme Chemistry aims to recognize a prominent scientist whose research accomplishments in biochemistry or chemical biology are unusually significant and far-reaching. We are seeking nominations from individuals whose discoveries are, or will be, translational in nature, impacting the biotechnology industry and over the longer term, human health. There are no age or career stage criteria associated with this award. Nominations are encouraged for individuals in industry, academia, or any other career track involving independent research. Read More


Eli Lilly Award in Biological Chemistry

PURPOSE The purpose of the Eli Lilly Award in Biological Chemistry is to stimulate fundamental research in biological chemistry by scientists within 10 years of their last postdoctoral training. NATURE The winner of the Eli Lilly Award in Biological Chemistry will be given presented with a bronze medal and honorarium. ESTABLISHMENT The Eli Lilly Award… Read More


Pfizer Award in Enzyme Chemistry

This award has been terminated. The Division of Biological Chemistry wishes to thank Pfizer Inc. for their gracious support of this award over the last 75 years, an event celebrated at the Spring ACS 2022 National Meeting with presentations by Paul Schimmel (1978 awardee), Tom Cech (1985), Ron Raines (1998), Ruma Banerjee (2001) and Kate… Read More


ACS Lectureships and Young Investigator Awards

ACS Publications journal awards and lectureships recognize a mix of early career and established investigators who have made significant contributions to research in their fields.

The ACS Chemical Biology Young Investigator Award

ACS Chemical Biology and the ACS Division of Biological Chemistry are pleased to announce the establishment of this Young Investigator award to honor the contributions of an individual who has had a major impact on scientific research in the area of Chemical Biology and has published at least one paper in ACS Chemical Biology. The… Read More


The Gordon Hammes Lectureship Award and The Gordon Hammes Scholar Award

Nominations are requested for The Gordon Hammes Lectureship Award and The Gordon Hammes Scholar Award, which will be presented during the Fall ACS National Meeting.The Editor-in-Chief of Biochemistry and the Division of Biological Chemistry of the American Chemical Society administer these awards jointly. The award is also intended to foster closer relations between the ACS… Read More


ACS Infectious Diseases Young Investigator Award

PURPOSE The ACS Infectious Diseases Young Investigator Award, administered by the Division of Biological Chemistry, recognizes three outstanding early career investigators conducting infectious disease research. The award honors the recipients’ contributions to the field of infectious disease research at an early stage in their careers. NATURE The award is presented annually at the Fall ACS… Read More


Other Journal Awards

Biopolymers Murray Goodman Memorial Prize

Inaugurated in 2007 in honor of the Biopolymers Founding Editor, the Murray Goodman Memorial Prize recognises outstanding accomplishments in one or more of the areas of biochemistry, biophysical chemistry, biophysics or chemical biology. The award consists of a symposium in association with the Division of Biological Chemistry (BIOL) of the American Chemical Society (ACS) at… Read More


Relevant National Awards

Ronald Breslow Award for Achievement in Biomimetic Chemistry

PURPOSE To recognize outstanding contributions to the field of biomimetic chemistry. NATURE The award consists of $5,000 and a certificate. Up to $2,500 for travel expenses to the meeting at which the award will be presented will be reimbursed. ESTABLISHMENT The award was established on March 24, 2001, at a symposium held at Columbia University… Read More


Travel Awards to attend non-ACS meetings

Founders Travel Award

PURPOSE To support the participation of students and/or postdocs at the Winter Enzyme Mechanisms Conference (EMC). The Award is administered by the Division of Biological Chemistry (DBC) of the American Chemical Society (ACS). NATURE The award consists of travel support up to $2,000 for one graduate student or postdoc to attend the biannual Winter Enzyme… Read More


Knowles Travel Award

PURPOSE To support the participation of graduate students at the Gordon Research Conferences (GRC), Bioorganic Chemistry and Enzymes, Coenzymes, and Metabolic Pathways. The Award is administered by the Division of Biological Chemistry (DBC) of the American Chemical Society (ACS). NATURE The award consists of travel support up to $1,000 for one graduate student to attend… Read More


Travel Awards to attend ACS National Meetings

The Division offers travel awards on a competitive basis for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to attend each national meeting and present a poster or oral presentation on their research. The selected awardees will be reimbursed up to $600 for travel and registration expenses.