Cottrell Scholars
The Cottrell Scholar program honors and helps to develop outstanding teacher-scholars who are recognized by their scientific communities for the quality and innovation of their research programs and their potential for academic leadership.
The Cottrell Scholar program champions the very best early career teacher-scholars in chemistry, physics, and astronomy by providing significant discretionary awards for research. Outstanding candidates are admitted to the ranks of Cottrell Scholars through a stringent peer-review process based on their innovative research proposals and educational programs.
Nurturing an interdisciplinary community of outstanding scientific, educational, and academic leaders, the program fosters synergy among faculty at major U.S. and Canadian research universities and primarily undergraduate institutions. Cottrell Scholars engage in an annual networking event, providing them an opportunity to share insights and expertise through the Cottrell Scholars Collaborative.
Research Corporation for Science Advancement fosters an inclusive and respectful environment for listening in which the different identities, backgrounds, and perspectives of all participants are valued, and in which everyone is empowered to share ideas as fellow scientists.
Awards Calendar
Apply by July 1, 2026
Apply by November 3, 2026
nominate by November 18, 2025
nominate by November 18, 2025
apply by march 31, 2026
Apply anytime
Cottrell Scholars Community
A unique aspect of the Cottrell Scholar program is its active, multigenerational community of more than 600 academic scientists. Besides Cottrell Scholars, the community includes senior scientists who have received RCSA’s Robert Holland Jr. Award and Fulbright-Cottrell Scholars from Germany who participate in conferences and collaborate on team projects. The Cottrell Scholars Collaborative draws members together to work on projects with potential national impact.
Cottrell Scholars News
Recent Cottrell Scholars Collaborative Books
- Inclusivity in Introductory STEM Courses: A Guide to Improving Student (and Instructor!) Mindsets
- Teach Better, Save Time, and Have More Fun: A Guide to Teaching and Mentoring in Science — 2nd Edition
- Expanding the CURE Model: Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience
- Aligning Practice To Policies
Summary of Awards
Although the Cottrell Scholar Award (and now the Robert Holland Jr. Award) are entry points to this interdisciplinary community, the program also supports Scholars throughout their academic careers with awards and initiatives to advance their skills, knowledge, and experience toward attaining leadership roles in their institutions, and to support the research and training of students working in their labs or groups. These awards include the competitive STAR, IMPACT, and SEED awards, and funds for regional meetings.
Cottrell Scholar Award
Initial Cottrell Scholar Award
Develops outstanding teacher-scholars
Eligibility
Faculty at the end of third year of first faculty appointment. For the 2026 proposal cycle, eligibility is limited to faculty members who started their first tenure-track appointment anytime in calendar year 2023.
Award
$120,000
Deadline
July 1
Robert Holland Jr. Award
Recognizes and welcomes senior scientists with exemplary records in research, leadership, and mentoring as full members of the Cottrell Scholar community
Eligibility
Established post-tenure teacher-scholars in chemistry, physics or astronomy (or closely related disciplines in the physical sciences) with a strong records of impact and leadership in their field and their institution.
Award
$5,000
Deadline
November 3
Cottrell STAR
Cottrell Plus Award
Celebrates outstanding achievements in research and education
Eligibility
- Cottrell Scholars who are at least 12 years beyond receiving their original Cottrell Scholar Award.
- Holland Awardees, regardless of the year of their award.
Award
$5,000
Deadlines
November 18 (Nominations)
January 21 (Applications)
February 4 (Support Letters)
Cottrell IMPACT
Cottrell Plus Award
Celebrates national science impact through leadership and service activities
Eligibility
- Cottrell Scholars who are at least 12 years beyond receiving their original Cottrell Scholar Award.
- Holland Awardees, regardless of the year of their award.
Award
$5,000
Deadlines
November 18 (Nominations)
January 21 (Applications)
February 4 (Support Letters)
Cottrell SEED
Cottrell Plus Award
Supports high-impact research activities
Eligibility
- Cottrell Scholars who are at least six years beyond receiving their original Cottrell Scholar Award.
- Holland Awardees, regardless of the year of their award.
Award
$60,000
Deadlines
March 31
Cottrell Scholar Regional Meeting Awards
Awards to host one-day Cottrell Scholar Regional Meetings at the institutions of Cottrell Scholars and Holland Awardees
Eligibility
Cottrell Scholars and Holland Awardees, regardless of the year of their award.
Award
$5,000
Deadline
Applications are accepted any time.
