August 2025
AERA invites nominations for the 2026 AERA awards, which recognize excellence in education research. The nomination deadline is Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. To be eligible for consideration, all nominations must be submitted electronically through the AERA APPLY portal by the deadline.
The AERA Awards Program celebrates the best in education research, honoring scholars and changemakers whose work drives innovation in research and transforms classrooms, communities, and policy. Spanning all career stages and disciplines, the awards recognize groundbreaking thinkers and trailblazers who push boundaries, expand our understanding of education, and inspire the next generation of scholars. This prestigious program uplifts a vibrant community of researchers whose insights shape education practice and society, connecting rigorous scholarship to real-world impact.
For the first time, nominations for the AERA awards will be submitted via the AERA APPLY portal, the online submissions system launched in October 2024.
“We are excited to transition AERA award nominations to the AERA APPLY portal,” said AERA Executive Director Tabbye M. Chavous. “This move elevates the visibility and significance of the awards program to the education research community and our diverse stakeholders, while enhancing the user experience for nominators and reviewers.”
AERA invites nominations for the following association-wide awards:
Additional information about each award is available in the 2026 Call for Award Nominations. Listings of past awardees can be found on the AERA website.
The 2026 AERA award recipients will be honored at the Awards Ceremony and Luncheon during the 2026 Annual Meeting in Los Angeles, April 8–12, 2026.
If you have questions about AERA awards, please email governance@aera.net or call (202) 238-3204.