Peter R. Stettenheim Service Award Grant

Peter R. Stettenheim Service Award Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: American Ornithological Society
Last Updated: November 25, 2025

Summary

The Peter R. Stettenheim Service Award, established by the American Ornithological Society in 2018, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to ornithology and the society. This award recognizes those who have served in various capacities, highlighting volunteer work, mentorship, and committee involvement. It is named after Peter Stettenheim, a notable leader in ornithology, who was dedicated to advancing the field and supporting fellow ornithologists throughout his career.

Overview

About What is the American Ornithological Society (AOS)? We’re a diverse, global network of empowered professionals, working together to advance the scientific study and conservation of birds. The world’s largest international ornithological society, the AOS is more relevant today than ever, and we’re dedicated to supporting the scientists doing this critical work—for the sake of birds, humanity, and the planet. AOS Vision A broad and engaged ornithological community that advances the understanding and conservation of birds AOS Mission To connect ornithologists, science, and bird conservation by Supporting science that advances the understanding and conservation of birds Promoting broad access to ornithological science Supporting ornithologists throughout their career paths, and Fostering a welcoming, diverse, supportive, and dynamic ornithological community. AOS Service Awards The American Ornithological Society offers two awards to recognize members who have rendered exceptional service to ornithology and to the Society. The selection of annual awardees is made by the Service Awards Committee. The AOS Awards committees strive to develop a balanced annual slate of nominees that represents the Society and the diversity of its members Peter R. Stettenheim Service Award In 2018, AOS established the Stettenheim Award, a new service award meant to carry on the tradition of the Cooper Ornithological Society’s Cooper Honorary Member Award, one of the oldest awards in ornithology. This award celebrates members who may have served in elected or appointed positions, but also emphasizes volunteer contributions, mentoring, and committee participation. The award consists of a framed certificate and honorarium. This AOS award honors Peter Stettenheim, an enthusiastic leader of both the American Ornithologists’ Union and the Cooper Ornithological Society who served in society governance and contributed in many ways to advance ornithology. Peter was a Life Member, Elective Member, and Fellow of the AOU, serving as a Council Member as well as Vice President (2001-2002). He was Editor of The Condor and Life Histories of the Birds of North America (a.k.a. Birds of North America), an Honorary Life Member of the Cooper Society, and a Patron and Investing Trustee of the Wilson Ornithological Society. Peter was a well-respected expert on avian anatomy and functional morphology but had a broad appreciation and interest in ornithology. He passed away in 2013 and was known by many of us as a kind and gentle giant. All award nominees are expected to have a high standard of ethical and social behavior that is strongly aligned with the AOS Code of Conduct & Ethics.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The award recognizes an individual well established in their career who has performed outstanding and extensive service to AOS. You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member.