Franz Boas Award

The Franz Boas Award for Exemplary Service to Anthropology, formerly the Distinguished Service Award, was established in 1976. This award is presented annually by the Association to its members whose careers demonstrate extraordinary achievements that have well served the anthropological profession. Service to the Association is commonly recognized, as are outstanding applications of anthropological knowledge to improving the human condition. Great teachers of anthropology at all levels have received this award. Although the activities of the recipients will vary from year to year, all awardees have made many sacrifices, usually without personal reward, and sometimes against personal safety. They have all used anthropology for the benefit of others. Learn more about past Boas Award recipients here. 

The call for nominees is below. The awardees are recommended by the Awards Committee and chosen by the Executive Board at its spring meeting. The awardees are then celebrated at the AAA Annual Meeting.

Call for Nominations: Franz Boas Award for Exemplary Service to Anthropology

AAA is pleased to announce the call for nominations for the Franz Boas Award for Exemplary Service to Anthropology (formerly the Distinguished Service Award). Established in 1976, the Boas Award recognizes Association members who have made exceptional contributions to anthropology with respect to the increase and dissemination of humanistic and scientific knowledge and/or service to the profession. This is your opportunity to recognize members and colleagues who have contributed significantly to the field of anthropology. The Association relies on you for nominations. Please take advantage of this opportunity.

Guidelines for the Preparation and Submission of AAA Award Nomination Materials

Each nomination packet should include a letter of recommendation in support of the nominee. The letter should provide a summary of the nominee's accomplishments, and it should demonstrate (not merely assert) the nominee's qualifications. The packet should include supporting materials, which should not be expected to stand on their own. In other words, these materials should support the case being made in the nomination letter, demonstrating its assertions. The nomination packet should not exceed 25 pages. Please note that nominees are considered for three years. Those not chosen in the first year will be considered for two more years. If desired, nomination packets can be updated by March 1 each year, or nominations can be withdrawn from consideration.

1. The nominee's accomplishments should be contextualized and put into perspective. Depending upon the award in question, one may want to address the following types of questions:
2. Where does the nominee's work fit within the discipline? What is its significance?
3. What is the extent of the nominee's work and its impact on the field? On students? On the general public? On other disciplines?
4. How does the particular book or work upon which the nominee's recommendation is based demonstrate excellence: conceptually, in terms of impact, creativity, and influence?

Please visit our site after the new year for detailed information on our new awards submission process.