The NIH Director's Awards recognizes exceptional performance and special efforts beyond regular job assignments. These directly relate to fulfilling the mission of the National Institutes of Health.
The Office of Human Resources conducts the Director's Awards each year. It is one of many ways we highlight the outstanding employees, work, and advances conducted at the NIH.
The eight main categories of the awards include:
- Administrative
- Common Fund Leadership
- Common Fund Unsung Hero
- Customer Service
- Emerging Leader
- Mission Support
- Scientific Medical—Clinical Care
- Scientific Medical—Research
The ceremony additionally recognizes the following awards.
The Alan S. Rabson Award for Clinical Care
Recipients exemplify an unswerving commitment to scientific and technical excellence, collaboration with colleagues, and provision of excellent, compassionate care for the patient and those who love them.
The Ruth L. Kirschstein Mentoring Award
Recognizes those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, skill, and ability in serving as a high-quality mentor to one or more individuals.
The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Awards
Celebrates outstanding colleagues who carried out the NIH mission while maintaining principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Categories include:
- Harvey J. Bullock, Jr. Award for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
- Yvonne Thompson Maddox Award for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
- NIH Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award of the Year
- NIH Award for Accessibility
The Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Awards
Honors officers who accomplished outstanding work and made a unique impact to the Corps mission. Divided into two main categories:
- Honor Awards (Distinguished Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Outstanding Service Medal)
- Unit Awards (Outstanding Unit Citation)
The Work/Life and Well-Being Champion Award
Recognizes exceptional performance and special efforts supporting employee's work/life and well-being while also improving or maintaining the agency's productivity.