Robert Holland Jr. Award for Research and Leadership Excellence

About this program

The Research Corporation for Science Advancement (RCSA) offers the Robert Holland Jr. Award to recognize senior teacher-scholars for excellence and creativity in research and teaching, inclusive mentorship, and leadership; recipients receive a $5,000 prize and join the Cottrell Scholar community. Eligible nominees must be tenured faculty or researchers in chemistry, physics, astronomy, or related physical sciences at a U.S. or Canadian research university, primarily undergraduate institution, or national laboratory, and demonstrate substantial impact and leadership. Nominations must be submitted by a Cottrell Scholar or Holland Awardee through PRISM and include a nomination letter, nominee statement, and tailored CV; self-nominations and previous Cottrell Scholars are not eligible. The 2027 application round opens September 1, 2026, and closes November 4, 2026.