James L. Moore, III National Science Foundation/Ohio State University
The recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Public Service Award is Dr. James Luther Moore, III. As a member of the executive leadership team at the National Science Foundation (NSF), Dr. Moore has served for four years as the Assistant Director for the Directorate for STEM Education (EDU). During his tenure at NSF, he has provided distinguished leadership and advocacy for STEM projects focusing on K-12 education, undergraduate and graduate education, and workforce development and economic mobility. Dr. Moore’s leadership has significantly expanded opportunities for underrepresented and under-resourced communities in STEM, education, and beyond. AERA hereby recognizes his vision, strategic investments, and transformative partnerships that have set a powerful example of how inclusive policies and purpose-driven leadership can create a more equitable future. The Distinguished Public Service Award is granted annually in recognition of an individual who has worked to enact or implement policies that are well grounded in education research, or who has been at the forefront of efforts to increase recognition and support for education research. The recipient will be invited either to deliver an address or to participate in a panel discussion during the following Annual Meeting on a topic relevant to their contribution and expertise. The AERA Government Relations Committee is charged by AERA Council with serving as the selection committee for this award.
2025 - Joan Ferrini-Mundy 2023 - Linda Darling-Hammond 2022 - Peggy G. Carr 2021 - Congressman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott 2020 - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson 2019 - George Miller 2018 - Donna E. Shalala 2017 - Michael W. Kirst 2016 - Shirley Malcom 2015 - Joseph Conaty 2014 - Ruby Takanishi 2013 - Freeman A. Hrabowski III 2012 - Jerry D. Weast 2011 - Emerson J. Elliott 2010 - Beverly L. Hall 2008 - Bruce Alberts 2007 - Jack Jennings 2005 - Ronald A. Wolk 2004 - Richard C. Atkinson 2003 - James B. Hunt
The nomination deadline for the 2026 AERA Awards has now passed. Award winners will be announced in early 2026 prior to the AERA Annual Meeting.