The NIH External Awards Program is defined as the coordination and management of all awards and leadership development programs solicited for by the Department of Health and Human Services. Currently, the Department solicits for 13 awards. The centrally coordinated NIH External Awards Program is managed by the Office of Human Resources and includes the awards listed below.
Questions about the NIH External Awards Program can be directed to Liz Barton. NIH employees may access additional awards information and IC-specific guidelines by contacting their Institutes and Center’s Awards Coordinator.
National Medal of Science
To recognize individuals for outstanding contributions to knowledge in the physical, biological, mathematical, engineering, and social and behavioral sciences.
Official site: National Medal of Science
Sponsor: National Science Foundation
Available: January - March
Frank Greathouse Distinguished Leadership Award
To recognize sustained outstanding leadership and contributions to financial management, and to encourage increased interest, growth, and distinctive leadership in the field of financial management.
Official site: Frank Greathouse Distinguished Leadership Award
Sponsor: Association of Government Accountants (AGA)
Available: January
National Medal of Technology and Innovation
To recognize contributions to America’s competitiveness, standard of living, and quality of life through technological innovation, and those who made substantial contributions to strengthen the Nation’s technological workforce.
Official site: National Medal of Technology and Innovation
Sponsor: US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
Available: January - March
Association of Government Accountants Achievement of the Year Award
To recognize leadership or outstanding achievement in development, implementing, and improving financial management in Government service.
Official site: Association of Government Accountants Achievement of the Year Award
Sponsor: Association of Government Accountants (AGA)
Available: January - February
Roger W. Jones Award for Executive Leadership
To recognize Federal career executives who have demonstrated outstanding executive leadership.
Official site: Roger W. Jones Award for Executive Leadership
Sponsor: American University School of Public Affairs
Available: February
Frank B. Rowlett Awards
To recognize individuals and organizations for one-time or long-term achievement in the improvement of national information systems security, information assurance readiness or defensive information operations.
Official site: Frank B. Rowlett Awards
Sponsor: National Security Agency Central Security Service
Available: August - September
NSPE Federal Engineer of the Year Award
To recognize engineers who have contributed to the successful operations of the Federal Government.
Official site: NSPE Federal Engineer of the Year Award
Sponsor: National Society of Professional Engineers
Available: September
National Public Service Award
The American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) and the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA)To recognize individuals for outstanding contributions in public service on a sustained basis.
Official site: National Public Service Award
Sponsor: American Society for Public Administration (ASPA)
Available: October
AMA Outstanding Government Service
To recognize individuals for outstanding endeavors to advance the public health.
Official site: AMA Outstanding Government Service
Sponsor: American Medical Association (AMA)
Available: September - October
Service to America Medals
To recognize federal employees who have shown a strong commitment to public service and demonstrated significant accomplishment within their government field that is innovative, high impact, and meets a critical need for the nation.
Official site: Service to America Medals
Sponsor: Partnership for Public Service (PPS)
Available: September - November
Arthur S. Flemming Awards
To recognize outstanding and meritorious work within the Federal Government in administration, applied science and mathematics and science.
Official site: Arthur S. Flemming Awards
Sponsor: George Washington University Trachtenberg School of Public Policy
Available: November
Lasker Awards
To recognize individuals who have made significant contributions in basic or clinical research in diseases that are the main cause of death and disability.
Official site: Lasker Awards
Sponsor: Lasker Foundation
Available: November
HHS Departmental Awards
Recognizes top individual and team performers for exceptional and meritorious achievements that contribute significantly to the Department’s mission and goals.
Official site: HHS Departmental Awards
Sponsor: Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Available: November - December
The Theodore Roosevelt Government Leadership Awards
Honors an all-star team of distinguished federal officials for outstanding achievement in delivering on government's promise to serve the American people. The annual award highlights noteworthy accomplishments across the federal sector in a given year.
Official site: The Theodore Roosevelt Government Leadership Awards
Sponsor: Government Executive
Available: Varies (Spring)