Entries open for Fran and Frederick Hamerstrom Achievement Award

Applications are open for the Fran and Frederick Hamerstrom Achievement Award, a prestigious non-monetary honor recognizing individuals who have made outstanding contributions to raptor ecology and natural history.

Presented by the Raptor Research Foundation (RRF), the award highlights scientific excellence and culminates in a plenary lecture delivered by the recipient at a future RRF annual meeting.

Award Overview

The Fran and Frederick Hamerstrom Achievement Award is a distinguished recognition presented by the Raptor Research Foundation (RRF) to honor individuals whose work has significantly advanced the understanding of raptor ecology and natural history.

The award celebrates long-standing scientific contributions, leadership in raptor research, and the lasting impact of scholarly work on the field. It is a non-monetary award focused on professional recognition and knowledge dissemination.

Purpose of the Award

The award aims to:

• Recognize significant scientific contributions to raptor ecology and natural history

• Highlight individuals whose research has shaped understanding of raptor biology and conservation

• Promote the dissemination of high-impact scientific work

• Strengthen the raptor research community through shared knowledge and recognition

What the Award Includes

Key Components

• Formal recognition by the Raptor Research Foundation

• Public announcement at the RRF Annual Meeting

• Invitation to deliver a plenary lecture at a subsequent RRF Annual Meeting

• Professional acknowledgment of lifetime or career-defining scientific contributions

Number of Awardees

• One to two recipients may be selected each year

• Selection is competitive and based on scientific merit and impact

Who Is Eligible?

Nominee Eligibility

Nominees must be individuals who have:

• Made significant contributions to the understanding of raptor ecology and natural history

• Produced a substantial body of scientific work in the field

• Demonstrated lasting influence through research, publications, and scholarly leadership

Nominator Eligibility

Nominations must be submitted by qualified professionals capable of evaluating and presenting the nominee’s scientific contributions.

Nomination Requirements

A complete nomination packet must include the following elements.

Required Nomination Details

• Full name, title, and address of the nominee

• Full name, title, and address of the nominator

• Names of three individuals qualified to evaluate the nominee’s scientific contributions

Scientific Documentation

• A comprehensive summary of the nominee’s scientific work

• A complete list of publications authored by the nominee

• Clear explanation of the nominee’s impact on raptor ecology and natural history

Incomplete nomination packets may not be considered.

Timeline and Key Dates

• Nomination period: Spring

• Nomination deadline: June 30

• Recipient announcement: At the RRF Annual Meeting

• Plenary lecture: Delivered at the following RRF Annual Meeting

How the Selection Process Works

Evaluation Process

1. Nomination packets are submitted by the deadline.

2. Eligible nominations are reviewed by qualified evaluators.

3. Scientific contributions, impact, and scholarly excellence are assessed.

4. One or two recipients are selected each year.

5. Awardees are announced at the RRF Annual Meeting.

Why This Award Matters

The Fran and Frederick Hamerstrom Achievement Award is important because it:

• Honors excellence in raptor science and natural history

• Preserves and promotes influential scientific legacies

• Encourages high standards in ecological research

• Provides a platform for sharing impactful research with the broader community

• Strengthens knowledge exchange through plenary lectures

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete nomination packets

• Failing to include a full publication list

• Selecting evaluators without appropriate scientific expertise

• Providing limited detail on the nominee’s scientific impact

• Missing the June 30 deadline

Tips for a Strong Nomination

• Clearly articulate the nominee’s long-term impact on raptor research

• Highlight landmark studies or influential publications

• Choose evaluators who are well respected in the field

• Present the scientific summary in a clear, structured manner

• Emphasize contributions to both knowledge and the research community

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is this award open to self-nominations?

No. Nominations must be submitted by qualified professionals other than the nominee.

Is there any financial component to the award?

No. This is a non-monetary recognition focused on professional honor and visibility.

How many people receive the award each year?

One to two recipients may be selected annually.

When will the award recipient be announced?

Recipients are announced at the RRF Annual Meeting following the nomination cycle.

What happens after receiving the award?

Awardees are invited to deliver a plenary lecture at the next RRF Annual Meeting.

What type of work is considered eligible?

Scientific contributions that significantly advance understanding of raptor ecology and natural history.

Is a publication record required?

Yes. A complete list of publications authored by the nominee is required as part of the nomination packet.

Conclusion

The Fran and Frederick Hamerstrom Achievement Award stands as a respected honor within the raptor research community, recognizing individuals whose scientific work has shaped the understanding of raptor ecology and natural history.

Through formal recognition and a plenary lecture platform, the award ensures that impactful research continues to inform, inspire, and guide future generations of raptor scientists.