Recognizing outstanding contributions to the study of gambling disorders, the Scientific Achievement Awards have proven to be a highlight of the NCRG’s annual conference on gambling and addiction since their creation in 2002. Winners are selected by an independent Awards Committee of distinguished leaders in the field of addictions and gambling research.

The NCRG presented the 2007 Scientific Achievement Awards to Dr. Howard Shaffer (link to press release), an early pioneer in the field of addictions and gambling disorders research, in the senior investigator category. The senior investigator award honors scientists whose career work has led to important advancements, discoveries or developments in the field of gambling-related research. Shaffer, associate professor of psychology in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and the director of the Division on Addictions, Cambridge Health Alliance, was selected by an independent awards committee in recognition of his groundbreaking research on gambling and for the profound impact it has had on the way that scientists understand and study addiction.

Nominations are accepted in two categories.  The Young Investigator Award recognizes excellence in scientific contributions to the field of gambling studies by a researcher whose advanced academic or professional degree (Ph.D., M.D. or other terminal degree) was received no earlier than 1997.  The Senior Investigator Award honors an individual whose body of work has advanced the field of gambling-related research.  This research should have led to important advances, discoveries or developments in the field.

Nominees may be working in the social and behavioral sciences, epidemiology, neuroscience, public health or other related fields.

Guidelines for Submitting a Nomination

For both award categories, the nomination package must include the following:

• A detailed letter of recommendation describing the worthiness of the nominee, specifying his or her contribution to the field of gambling studies.
• The nominee's curriculum vitae, including an up-to-date and comprehensive bibliography of the nominee's publications.
• No more than five scientific publications representative of the nominee's work.

For the Senior Investigator Award only, the nomination letter should address the following questions:

• What are the general themes of the nominee's major lines of research?
• What are the important research findings usually attributed to the nominee?
• To what extent have the nominee's theoretical contributions generated research in the field?
• What has been the significant and enduring legacy of the nominee?

Nominations for the 2008 awards will be accepted later this year.  Stay tuned to this site for deadline information. Please direct questions to contact@ncrg.org or call Keli Wallace at 202-552-2685.