William Brewster Memorial Award Grant

William Brewster Memorial Award Grant

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

Summary

The William Brewster Memorial Award, awarded by the American Ornithological Society, recognizes exemplary contributions to ornithological science through a significant body of work on Western Hemisphere birds published in the last decade. This prestigious award honors the legacy of William Brewster, a founding member of the American Ornithologists' Union, and includes a medal and honorarium funded by the William Brewster Memorial Fund. Nominations are open to all, fostering diversity in ornithology.

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. Senior Professional Awards The American Ornithological Society bestows three prestigious awards in recognition of outstanding contributions to ornithological science. Nominations are reviewed by the Senior Awards Committee and a final recommendation for each award is made to the AOS Council for approval. The Committee strives to develop a balanced annual slate of nominees that represents the diversity of individuals not only within the Society’s membership but throughout the field of ornithology. Members are encouraged to nominate their colleagues, and self-nominations are accepted. Please nominate an individual for only one award. William Brewster Memorial Award The AOS Brewster Award is given annually to the author or co-authors of the most meritorious body of work (book, monograph, or series of related papers) on birds of the Western Hemisphere published during the past ten years. The award consists of a medal and an honorarium provided through the endowed William Brewster Memorial Fund. It is named in honor of William Brewster, one of the founding members of the American Ornithologists’ Union.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. In recognition of the large number of ornithologists making outstanding contributions to our science, the AOS Council recommends that the Brewster Award not be conferred upon the same individual more than once in their lifetime. Generally an individual is expected to receive only one senior Award. However, since the Miller Award recognizes lifetime achievement in ornithological research, it is possible for an individual to receive a Miller Award after receiving a Brewster or Coues award, ideally only after an extended period of time since receiving one of the other Senior Awards. Note that nominees for the Brewster Award need not be members of the AOS. 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.

Ineligibility

AOS officers currently serving on the Executive Committee of Council are not eligible to be nominated for these awards.