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 presents the Scientific Achievement Awards at the NCRG Conference on Gambling and Addiction. The NCRG invites nominations of researchers who have made an outstanding contribution to the field of gambling studies. Nominees may be working in the social and behavioral sciences, epidemiology, neuroscience, public health or other related fields.

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 1998. 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.

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?

The nomination and review process is coordinated by the Institute for Research on Gambling Disorders, an independent program of the NCRG.  Recipients are selected by an independent selection committee composed of distinguished scientists and experts in the field of addictions.

Nominations, including the letter, C.V. and journal articles, must be submitted in PDF format via e-mail to Christine Reilly, Institute for Research on Gambling Disorders, at creilly@gamblingdisorders.org.