Special Honors
Each year, the American Epilepsy Society honors the most accomplished professionals in the field of epilepsy with our Research and Recognition Awards.
Submissions are Now OPEN
The 2025 Research and Recognition Awards Call for Nominations is now open! AES is accepting nominations for its five most prestigious awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to epilepsy research, clinical care, and service.
Submit Now
Friday, April 18, 2025 at 11:59 PM PT
AES deeply values diversity of experience and background and recognizes that such diversity enriches the work we do. The Research and Recognition Awards Committee aims for a diverse pool of candidates that reflects the broad spectrum of professionals that make AES strong, including nominations of accomplished individuals from underrepresented groups.
Nominations for the following special honors are solicited through a public call each year. The Research and Recognition Awards Committee selects candidates for the following awards and recommends them for Board approval:
- Founders Award - Nominate Now
Honors AES members who have a record of lifetime contributions and accomplishments related to epilepsy. The award is funded by the Lennox and Lombroso Trust for Research and Training, which was established in 1962 to advance and disseminate knowledge concerning epilepsy in all of its aspects—biological, clinical, and social—and to promote better care and treatment for persons with epilepsy. The award, formerly titled the Lennox Award, has been a top honor bestowed by AES since 1966. - Basic Science Research Award and Clinical Science Research Award - Nominate Now
Given annually to active scientists and clinicians working in all aspects of epilepsy research. The awards recognize professional excellence reflected in a distinguished history of research of important promise for the improved understanding and treatment of epilepsy. - J. Kiffin Penry Award for Excellence in Epilepsy Care - Nominate Now
Established in 1997 in honor of Dr. Penry’s lifelong focus on advancing epilepsy care and awareness, this award recognizes individuals (members or non-members) whose work in the clinical care of patients, scholarly/educational activities, and mentorship have had a major impact in improving the quality of life for persons with epilepsy. The award was initially funded with a gift from Abbott Laboratories and has been continually supported through the J. Kiffin Penry Fund of AES. - AES Distinguished Service Award - Nominate Now
Honors AES member volunteers whose exemplary service to AES has advanced the mission of AES and strengthened the field of epilepsy. Established in 1993, members in any category—including advocates and those in other non-medical or non-scientific roles—are eligible for this award.
The Extraordinary Contributions to the Field of Epilepsy award is bestowed by the Board of Directors and recognizes those who have made extraordinary contributions across multiple fronts, including science, education, leadership, and advocacy. The award is presented when the Board of Directors determines there is a candidate whose accomplishments embody the spirit of the recognition.