Rising Women in Science Award

The Controlled Release Society grants this honor to a woman scientist with up to 15 years of post-PhD experience who is dedicated to excellence in science, leadership, and the promotion of women in their communities.

The CRS retains the right not to award any award for any given year if the candidates are not at the level of scientific excellence required.

Criteria

The nominee will be evaluated on scientific excellence, leadership experience, teaching and mentoring experience, entrepreneurial, innovative, and managerial activities, service to institutions and scientific communities, and efforts to progress women in science

Eligibility

Current CRS membership is not required at the time of nomination, but it is mandatory to become a CRS member in order to receive the award. Proof of membership will be required upon acceptance.
Nominee must be supported by at least 2 CRS members through the online system.
For the Rising Women in Science Award, Young Investigator Award, and Rising Samyang Award, nominees must be within 15 years of their PhD defense.

The eligibility period can be extended beyond the standard window in the event of:

Maternity: 18 months for each child born before or after the PhD award.
Paternity: the documented amount of actual parental leave taken.
Long-term illness (applicant or immediate family member): duration of the sick leave (minimum 4 months).
National service or clinical training: documented duration.

Nominations - Deadline: March 30, 2026, 11:59 pm ET

All nominations for the primary CRS awards are submitted through the same form for consideration. Please note that self-nominations are greatly encouraged but must be supported by at least 2 CRS members. The following areas will be reviewed for eligibility by the Award Committee:

Contributions to Delivery Science (50% - Primary Criteria)
Contributions to the Controlled Release Society (30%)
Contributions to global engagement of science, people, and the community in the controlled release area (20%)
A CV for the nominee is required

Nominate Here

Selection Process

The Women in Science Award Committee will make the selection of the awardee. The committee is comprised of the 2025-2026 Women in Science Committee.

Awards

Presentation and Q&A at the WIS session at the CRS annual event
The recipient of the Rising WIS Award will become a WIS Honorary Member
Honorarium - $1,000
Complimentary Annual Meeting registration (must be used for the Annual Meeting in the year of the award)