Awards

NIH Director's Awards

These annual awards recognize exceptional performance and special efforts beyond regular job assignments.

2025 NIH Director's Awards

The most prestigious award given out by the NIH Director.

Director's Awards guidelines

IC Merit Awards

Each Institute facilitates its own awards program. The IC Director, including the NIH Principal Deputy Director for OD, recognizes individuals or groups whose superior service and achievement within that institute or for the mission of that institute warrant special appreciation. These awards are presented by the Director of the Institute or for the OD by the Principal Deputy Director of NIH.

Contact the IC Awards Coordinator for Institute, Center, and Office Awards information.

Employee recognition guidelines

These awards include, Special Act, On-the-Spot, Performance, Time Off, QSI, Referral, Suggestion & Invention. The guidelines for these awards are managed by OHR.

Additional awards programs

Award tools