Award Profile:
Given to honor outstanding service in the cause of diabetes that has been performed with an international perspective and with international impact, this award recognizes those whose efforts have increased the awareness of the burden of diabetes worldwide to improve the care and lives of those with diabetes. The work specifically supported efforts to increase awareness of the burden of diabetes worldwide and in establishing relationships across diabetes organizations.
Criteria for Selection (candidates can be peer or self-nominated):
- Nominee will demonstrate long-term volunteer service to one or more diabetes-related organizations.
- Broad professional expertise and contributions in diabetes may be recognized – including, but not exclusive to clinical care, research, education, health policy and advocacy.
- Nominee can represent any type of diabetes clinical professional.
- Both U.S. and non-U.S. residents are eligible for award.
- Contributions and volunteer service to both national and international diabetes organizations and the boarder diabetes community may also be taken into consideration.
Lecture/Publication:
- Recipient will deliver the Distinguished International Service Award Lecture at the 86th Scientific Sessions in New Orleans, LA on June 5-8, 2026. (Must be presented in person.)
Honorarium/Travel/Registration:
- The recipient receives a $3,000 honorarium.
- The award includes complimentary registration to the 86th Scientific Sessions in New Orleans, LA June 5-8, 2026.
- Includes complimentary registration to Scientific Sessions.
2026 Nomination/Submission Process:
- Nominations must be submitted using the electronic nomination form. All submissions must be received on or before 8:00 p.m. ET on September 19, 2025.
- Nominations are accepted from any ADA professional member.
- All nominations must have the following documents uploaded as one PDF file:
- Letter of nomination/support, whether peer or self-nominated must be no more than 400 words and signed by no more than three individuals. Letter of nomination/support should address criteria for selection.
- The nominee’s biography
- The nominee’s CV with career highlights and documentation of international contribution.
Questions? Email Gedeon Topacio, program manager, at gtopacio@diabetes.org.
Selection:
The recipient is chosen by the National Scientific & Health Care Achievement Awards Committee and approved by the ADA’s Executive Committee in February 2026.