James Corones Award in Leadership, Community Building and Communication

Overview:
This award recognizes mid-career scientists and engineers who are making an impact in leadership, community building AND science communication. The recipient will be someone who encourages and mentors young people to be active in the science community, to communicate their work effectively and to make a difference in their scientific area.

Award Details:

• Cash Award: $2,000
• Additional Prize: Engraved tangible gift
• Recognition: Personalized recognition coordinated with the winner
• Established: 2019 (inaugural award)

Eligibility:

• Mid-career scientists and engineers
• Ph.D. earned within the past 10 to 20 years
• Making an impact in leadership, community building, AND science communication
• Encourages and mentors young people to be active in the science community
• Communicates work effectively
• Makes a difference in their scientific area

Award Named For:
Dr. James "Jim" Corones, founder of the Krell Institute (1997-2017). He envisioned the Krell Institute as a vehicle to educate superior scientists for the U.S. workforce and was an advocate for mentoring and developing leaders in the scientific community and establishing programs encouraging scientists to communicate about their research with general audiences.

Geographic Scope:

• International

Timeline:

• Nomination Period: October 1 – December 1 (annually)
• January: Review committee convenes
• February: Winner announced
• Spring: Promotional outreach and award presentation

Past Winners:

• 2025: Kenneth Hanson, Florida State University
• 2024: Suzanne Shontz, University of Kansas
• 2023: Tammy Ma, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
• 2022: Paul M. Sutter, Johns Hopkins University (formerly Stony Brook)
• 2021: Jeffrey A.F. Hittinger, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
• 2020: Bethany L. Goldblum, University of California, Berkeley
• 2019: Rebecca Hartman-Baker, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Nomination Process

Nomination Period: October 1 – December 1 (annually)

Next Nominations: Nominations for the 2027 award will open in October 2026

Required Materials:
Each Corones Award nomination must include:

1. A letter from the nominator
2. Three additional reference letters speaking to the nominee's character and accomplishments
3. The nominee's CV

Step-by-Step Submission Process

1. Write a Nomination Letter
   • Describe the nominee's activities, accomplishments and character
   • Focus particularly on relation to the goals of this award and the legacy of Jim Corones
   • This letter should serve as a comprehensive introduction and endorsement
2. Secure Three Letters of Reference
   • Identify and contact three individuals who can provide strong letters of support
   • Ensure all letters are collected during the active nomination period (October 1 – December 1)
   • Letters should provide varied perspectives and specific examples of the nominee's impact
3. Obtain the Nominee's CV
   • Collect current curriculum vitae from the nominee
4. Submit Complete Nomination Package
   • Submit all materials during the nomination window

Questions

Direct eligibility and award-related questions to Krell staff via email to corones-award[at]krellinst.org