The College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD) proudly announces the recipients of the 2026 Awards for Excellence, honoring leaders whose work has profoundly advanced research, mentorship, service, and innovation in the field of substance use and addiction science.
Each year, these awards recognize individuals whose contributions reflect CPDD’s enduring commitment to scientific rigor, mentorship, public health impact, and service to the field. The 2026 awardees exemplify these values through groundbreaking research, sustained leadership, and meaningful dedication to the next generation of scientists and clinicians.
Honoring Excellence in Mentorship and Research
The James L. Sorensen Distinguished Treatment and Service Research Mentorship Award is awarded to David Fiellin, MD (Yale University School of Medicine), nominated by Jennifer E. Edelman, MD. Dr. Fiellin is recognized for his outstanding commitment to mentorship in treatment and service research. Through his guidance, leadership, and dedication to developing emerging investigators, he has helped shape the careers of numerous scholars advancing evidence-based approaches. His impact extends beyond his own research, fostering a culture of excellence and support across the field.
The Robert Balster Mentorship Award is presented to Silvia Martins, MD, PhD (Columbia University), nominated by Kechna Cadet, PhD. Dr. Martins is celebrated for her sustained and meaningful mentorship of trainees and early-career investigators. Her dedication to cultivating diverse talent and promoting rigorous, impactful epidemiologic research reflects the spirit of this award and underscores the essential role of mentorship in advancing addiction science.
Recognizing Emerging and Established Scientific Leadership
The Joseph Cochin Young Investigator Award honors Noa Krawczyk, PhD (NYU Grossman School of Medicine), nominated by Magdalena Cerdá, PhD. This award recognizes early-career investigators who demonstrate exceptional promise and productivity. Dr. Krawczyk’s innovative evidence-based research and growing leadership in the field represent the future of substance use science and public health research.
The Nathan B. Eddy Memorial Award is awarded to Scott Lukas, PhD (McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School), nominated by Eric Strain, MD. This prestigious recognition highlights distinguished and sustained contributions to addiction research. Dr. Lukas’s work has significantly advanced scientific understanding in the field.
Celebrating Service and Distinguished Contributions
The Marian W. Fischman Lectureship Award is presented to Elise Weerts, PhD (Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine), nominated by Cassie Moore, PhD. This award honors a distinguished scientist who has made substantial contributions to addiction research and will deliver a lectureship sharing insights from a career of impactful scholarship. Dr. Weerts’ cannabis-based work exemplifies scientific excellence and intellectual rigor.
The Martin & Toby Adler Distinguished Service Award recognizes extraordinary service to CPDD and the broader scientific community. The 2026 recipient, William Stoops, PhD (University of Kentucky), nominated by the CPDD Board of Directors, has demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing the organization’s mission. His sustained service, leadership, and commitment have strengthened CPDD and the field at large.
Together, the 2026 Awards for Excellence recipients represent the breadth and depth of achievement within CPDD — from groundbreaking scientific discovery and mentorship to service and leadership. Their work continues to shape the future of addiction research, policy, and practice.
CPDD congratulates all awardees and looks forward to celebrating their accomplishments at the 2026 Annual Meeting.