Job Description

Purpose of the Award
The purpose of The Robert A. Welch Award in Chemistry is to foster and encourage basic chemical
research and to recognize, in a substantial manner, the value of chemical research contributions for
the benefit of humankind as set forth in the will of Robert Alonzo Welch. The founder was interested
in chemistry and in its service to both the betterment and the understanding of human life. We also
believe this award plays an important role in aiding and strengthening the other programs of the
Foundation.
In accordance with these principles, the award committee will consider any person who has made
important chemical research contributions that have had a significant, positive influence on
humankind. We intend that the award recognizes the contributions of an individual who has not
previously been recognized in a similar manner.
Nominations
Any person can submit a nomination for consideration, but no self-nominations are allowed. All
nominations must be submitted using the ProposalCentral application portal. Detailed instructions
can be downloaded from welch1.org or from https://ProposalCentral.com. The nomination must
include (a) a cover letter, (b) a detailed description of the research areas in chemistry on which the
nomination is based, (c) a brief biographical sketch of the proposed nominee, (d) a list of 25 of the
nominee’s most important scientific publications, and (e) three seconding nomination letters.
Nominations must be submitted between November 1 and by 12:00 p.m. CST on January 31
each year and can remain eligible for five years without revision.
Directors and officers of the Foundation and members of the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) of the
Foundation may not make nominations or submit supporting letters, nor are they eligible to receive
the award. Former SAB members are eligible to be nominated four (4) years after the calendar year
in which they left the SAB. (Example: If an SAB member left the board at any time in 2021, they
would be eligible for nomination in 2025.)
Questions should be emailed to welchaward@welch1.org.
Award Procedure
The SAB constitutes the Welch Award Committee and considers whether or not any nominee is
worthy of the award. The SAB recommends up to three nominees to the Board of Directors as
qualified to receive the award and the Board of Directors make the final selection.
The recipient will be required to be present at a ceremony and banquet in Houston, Texas in the
month of October. The monetary amount of the award is $500,000.