ABOUT THE AWARD ~

The John P. McGovern Award Lecture in the Behavioral Sciences, first delivered in 1990, honors outstanding behavioral scientists from around the world. The lecture was endowed by the John P. McGovern Foundation to enable scholars to learn and explore the accomplishments and challenges of the behavioral sciences. Dr. McGovern was an internationally recognized physician, scientist, scholar, educator, and humanitarian. 

AWARD DETAILS ~

• Opportunity to deliver the John P. McGovern Award Lecture in the Behavioral Sciences at the 2026 Annual Meeting (Feb 12-14, 2026) in Phoenix, AZ
• A monetary prize of $5,000
• A commemorative John P. McGovern Award Medallion
• Complimentary registration to the AAAS Annual Meeting & hotel reservations
• Reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses

The lecture and award will be given at the AAAS Annual Meeting.

AAAS AWARDS ~

Each year, AAAS recognizes significant contributions to science and the public’s understanding of science. Learn more about these awards and nominate a scientist, engineer, author, journalist, or public servant for their outstanding work.

ETHICS AND DIVERSITY ~

The American Association for the Advancement of Science is deeply committed to fostering the open and inclusive scientific enterprise that is essential for scientific excellence. AAAS encourages nominations from a broad range of backgrounds, life experiences, and geographies.

All award winners are expected to meet the commonly held standards of professional ethics* and scientific integrity.

*Breaches of professional ethics might include sexual misconduct, racial discrimination, or other ethical violations. Sexual harassment or retaliation for declining, objecting to, or reporting harassment or other sexual conduct may constitute a serious breach of professional ethics.