Scientific progress is shaped not only by the research we produce, but by the people who challenge our thinking, guide developing scientists, strengthen the research enterprise, and expand what we understand about substance use and addiction. CPDD nominations are now open for the 2027 Awards for Excellence, continuing a longstanding tradition of recognizing individuals whose contributions have made a meaningful mark on addiction science and the community that advances it. This is an opportunity to recognize a colleague, mentor, investigator, or scientific leader whose work deserves the attention of the broader CPDD community. Whether through an influential body of research, exceptional mentorship, or sustained contributions to treatment and services research, the 2027 awards celebrate the many ways individuals help move our field forward.
2027 Awards Open for Nominations
Nathan B. Eddy Memorial Award - The College's most prestigious award, the Eddy was established in memory of one of the pioneers in the field of drug dependence, Nathan B. Eddy. This Memorial Award recognizes outstanding research that has advanced knowledge of drug dependence. Nominees may be citizens of any country, and the recipient delivers a dedicated lecture at the Annual Scientific Meeting.
Marian Fischman Lectureship Award - Established in 2001 in memory of Marian W. Fischman, this award recognizes the contributions of an outstanding woman scientist in the field. The recipient is recognized through a dedicated lecture at the Annual Scientific Meeting.
Joseph Cochin Young Investigator Award - The Joseph Cochin Young Investigator Award recognizes a young investigator who has demonstrated excellence in their area of research and made important contributions to the field.
Robert Balster Mentorship Award - Great science is also shaped by great mentorship. The Robert Balster Mentorship Award recognizes a CPDD member who has been an exemplary mentor to developing researchers in the field of drug dependence. Nominations are made by current or former trainees.
James L. Sorensen Distinguished Treatment and Research Mentor Award - Established in 2024, this award honors senior researchers with more than 20 years of experience whose work has served patients or examined the distribution and use of treatment services across population groups—and whose mentorship has helped others make significant contributions to the treatment of, services for, and research on substance use and addictive disorders.
J. Michael Morrison Award - Established in 1986 in memory of J. Michael Morrison, a respected NIDA administrator, this award recognizes outstanding contributions to scientific administration related to drugs of abuse. It honors individuals whose leadership and work in scientific administration have helped strengthen the research enterprise and support the advancement of addiction science.
Mary Jean Kreek Populations Studies Award - This award is named after Mary Jeanne Kreek, who, along with her colleagues, Vincent Dole and Marie Nyswander, had a leading role in the development and implementation of methadone. Dr. Kreek’s pioneering work fostered dignity and respect in the treatment of patients with heroin addiction, and she was a long-time proponent of broad population research. This award was established in 2022 to recognize scientists who have focused their research efforts on improving the lives of individuals from key populations with substance use problems. Nominees from all career stages, including those engaged in preclinical as well as clinical research, who prioritize various population considerations in their work, will be considered.
Celebrating Our 2026 Award Recipients
As nominations open for the next class of honorees, we also celebrate the scientists and mentors recognized by CPDD in 2026. Their contributions remind us that the advancement of addiction science takes many forms. It can be found in research that changes our understanding of an important question, in mentorship that helps another scientist find their path, and in work that strengthens how research is conducted, translated, and applied.
Who Will You Recognize in 2027?
Behind every award is a nomination from someone who recognized that a colleague's contributions deserved to be seen and celebrated. Consider the scientists, mentors, and leaders who have influenced your work or strengthened addiction science. If someone comes to mind, now is the time to tell their story. Nominations require a nomination letter, the nominee's current CV, and two letters of support. Additional documentation is required for nominations for the Robert Balster Mentorship Award. Review the complete criteria for each award before submitting your nomination. Read more Award details and begin your nominations here.