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Dr. Lawrence M. Kushner Memorial Award

lawrence_kushner

Established in 2025, the Dr. Lawrence M. Kushner Memorial Award supports a member of Sigma Xi in advancing the technology transfer aspects of their research, projects, products, or work. Technology transfer is the process of moving research results to the market and society, including related skills and procedures, as part of innovation. The objective of this award is to promote the transfer of scientific research for health, security, or economic betterment of society. Nominations, including letters of recommendation, should be submitted by e-mail to awards@sigmaxi.org.

Award Amount

$1,250, presented annually to a student member or early-career professional on an alternating basis.

Approved applications of funds include but are not limited to:

  • Identifying and assessing the commercial potential of a new technology

  • Protecting intellectual property with patents and copyrights

  • Forming marketing strategies to develop the technology

  • Transferring the technology to a commercial partner, such as a company, university, or government agency, or establishing a new commercial entity

Eligibility

  • Alternates annually between student members (even-numbered years) and early career professionals (odd-numbered years (defined as within 10 years of their highest earned degree at the time of nomination).

  • Must be an active (dues-paying) Sigma Xi member at the time of nomination.

  • Self-nominations are accepted.

  • Nomination Materials

  • Current curriculum vitae following Sigma Xi criteria.

  • Letter of nomination addressing: 

  • Explanation of the nominee’s research and its potential for technology transfer.

  • Description of how the nominee’s work aligns with the objectives of the award.

  • Demonstration of the nominee’s contributions and ownership claim to the innovation and the practical applications of their research.

  • Explanation of how this award contributes to an overall technology transfer business plan and budget.

  • Two letters of support (no more than one page each).

Nominations, including letters of recommendation, should be submitted by e-mail to awards@sigmaxi.org.

About Lawrence M. Kushner

Dr. Lawrence M. Kushner (1924 - 2022) Dr. Kushner was a chemist and long-time leader at the National Bureau of Standards (NBS), where he took a special interest in technological innovation in industry and in standardization activities on a national and international level. He served as the president of Sigma Xi in 1976 and passed away in December 2022.