
PURPOSE OF THE AWARD
The purpose of The Robert A. Welch Award in Chemistry is to foster and encourage basic chemical research
and to recognize, in a substantial manner, the value of chemical research contributions for the benefit of
humankind as set forth in the will of Robert Alonzo Welch. The founder was interested in chemistry and in its
service to both the betterment and the understanding of human life. We also believe this award plays an
important role in aiding and strengthening the other programs of the Foundation.
In accordance with these principles, the award committee will consider any person who has made important
chemical research contributions that have had a significant, positive influence on humankind. We intend that
the award recognizes the contributions of an individual who has not previously been recognized in a similar
manner.
NOMINATIONS
Any person can submit a nomination for consideration, but no self-nominations are allowed. All nominations
must be submitted using the proposalCentral application portal. Detailed instructions and procedures are
available there at https://proposalCENTRAL.com. The nomination must include
(a) a detailed description of
the research areas in chemistry on which the nomination is based,
(b) a brief biographical sketch of the
proposed nominee,
(c) a list of 25 of the nominee's most important scientific publications, and
(d) not more
than three seconding nomination letters.
Nominations must be received by the last business day of January each year and will remain eligible for five
years without revision.
Directors and officers of the Foundation and members of the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) of the Foundation
may not make nominations nor are they eligible to receive the award. Former SAB members are eligible to be
nominated four (4) years after the calendar year in which they left the SAB. (Example: If an SAB member left
the board at any time in 2020, they would be eligible for nomination in 2024.)
Questions should be emailed to welchaward@welch1.org.
AWARD PROCEDURE
The SAB constitutes the Welch Award Committee and considers whether or not any nominee is worthy of the
award. The SAB recommends up to three nominees to the Board of Directors as qualified to receive the award
and the Board of Directors make the final selection.
The recipient will be required to be present at a ceremony and banquet in Houston, Texas in the month of
October. The monetary amount of the award is $500,000.
Deadline: January 31, 2022 at 12:00 pm CST