The 2024 NIH Director’s Awards: Celebrating Excellence in Healthcare

The NIH Director’s Awards honor exceptional performance and significant contributions that go beyond regular job responsibilities, directly supporting the mission of the National Institutes of Health. Administered annually by the Office of Human Resources, these awards are a key way to highlight the outstanding work and advancements made by NIH employees.

The 2024 awards feature eight main categories:

1. Administrative: Recognizing outstanding administrative support and innovation.

2. Common Fund Leadership: Awarded for exemplary leadership in managing Common Fund initiatives.

3. Common Fund Unsung Hero: Honoring individuals who make significant contributions behind the scenes.

4. Customer Service: Celebrating excellence in customer service and support within the NIH community.

5. Emerging Leader: Acknowledging the achievements of rising stars within the organization.

6. Mission Support: Recognizing efforts that directly support the NIH mission in various capacities.

7. Scientific Medical—Clinical Care: Honoring contributions to clinical care that enhance patient outcomes.

8. Scientific Medical—Research: Recognizing significant advancements in biomedical research.

In addition to the main categories of the NIH Director’s Awards, the ceremony also recognizes several special awards that highlight specific areas of excellence:

Special Awards

1. The Alan S. Rabson Award for Clinical Care: This award honors recipients who demonstrate unwavering commitment to scientific and technical excellence, collaboration with colleagues, and the provision of excellent, compassionate care to patients and their families.

2. The Ruth L. Kirschstein Mentoring Award: Recognizing individuals who have shown exceptional leadership and skill in mentoring, this award celebrates those who have made a significant impact on the professional development of others.

3. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Awards: These awards celebrate outstanding contributions to the NIH mission while upholding principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Categories include:

– Harvey J. Bullock, Jr. Award for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
– Yvonne Thompson Maddox Award for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
– NIH Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award of the Year
– NIH Award for Accessibility

4. The Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Awards: These awards honor officers for outstanding work and unique contributions to the Corps mission, divided into:

– Honor Awards (including Distinguished Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and Outstanding Service Medal)
– Unit Awards (Outstanding Unit Citation)

5. The Work/Life and Well-Being Champion Award: This award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional efforts to support employee work/life balance and well-being while enhancing agency productivity.

These awards collectively underscore the NIH’s commitment to recognizing exceptional contributions across various domains, fostering a culture of excellence, mentorship, and inclusivity.

View all the winners here.

Monica Bertagnolli:

“Last week I hosted the 2024 NIH Director’s Awards, which recognizes exceptional performance and special efforts beyond regular job assignments. Congratulations to all our awardees. I salute your accomplishments and look no forward to your continued success in advancing the NIH mission. We all depend on dedicated people like you! See all the winners.”