Awards

Kelly M. West Award for Outstanding Achievement in Epidemiology

Award Profile:

Given in memory of Kelly M. West, widely regarded as the “father of diabetes epidemiology”, to an individual who has made significant contributions to the field of diabetes epidemiology.

Criteria for Selection (candidates can be peer or self-nominated): 

  • Principal criteria for selection process: impact of scientific publications and presentations at scientific meetings related to the epidemiology of diabetes.
  • Also, national and international stature in the field of diabetes epidemiology.
  • Also, impact as a teacher and mentor will also be taken into consideration.
  • MD, PhD, or MPH degree or equivalent is required.
  • Both U.S. and non-U.S. residents are eligible for award.

Lecture/Publication of Lecture:

  • The recipient will deliver the Kelly M. West Award Lecture at the 86th Scientific Sessions in New Orleans, LA on June 5–8, 2026 (must be presented in person).
  • Offered the opportunity to publish lecture in an American Diabetes Association scientific journal.

Honorarium/Travel/Registration:

  • The recipient receives a $3,000 honorarium.
  • The award includes two round-trip coach airfares and hotel accommodations for the duration of the Scientific Sessions. 
  • The award 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.
  • Nominations from the membership of the Epidemiology and Statistics Interest Group especially will be solicited. 

  • All Kelly West Award 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, mentoring, and publication highlights.
    • Please include a list of current and former Mentees/Trainees

    Questions? Contact Gedeon Topacio, Program Manager, Research & Scientific Programs, by email 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.

2025 Kelly West Award Winner

Juliana C.N. Chan, MB, ChB, MD, FHKAM, FHKCP, FRCP

Previous Kelly West Award Winners

2024 Dr. V. Mohan, MD, PhD, DSc, FACP, FACE
2023 Alka M. Kanaya, MD
2022 Jill M. Norris, MPH, PhD
2021 Nicholas J. Wareham, FMedSci, FRCP, FFPHM, MBBS, MSc, PhD
2020 Elizabeth Selvin, PhD, MPH 
2019 Elizabeth J. Mayer-Davis, PhD
2018 Catherine C. Cowie, PhD, MPH
2017 Dana Dabelea, MD, PhD
2016 Edward W. Gregg, PhD
2015 K.M. Venkat Narayan, MD, MSc, MBA
2014 Andrzej S. Krolewski, MD, PhD
2013 Edward J. Boyko, MD, MPH
2012 Knut Borch-Johnsen, MD, PhD

2011 Frederick L. Brancati, MD, MHS, FACP
2010 Frank B. Hu, MD, PhD
2009 James B. Meigs, MD, MPH
2008 Markku Laakso, MD, PhD
2007 Beverly Balkau, PhD, BSC, Dip Ed
2006 William H. Herman, MD, MPH
2005 Marian J. Rewers, MD, PhD
2004 Michael Engelgau, MD, MS
2003 Barbara V. Howard, PhD
2002 David H. Pettitt, MD
2001 John H. Fuller, MD
2000 Eveline Eschwege, MD
1999 Wilfred Y. Fujimoto, MD

1998 Jaakko Tuomilehto, MD, PhD
1997 Steven M. Haffner, MD
1996 Richard F. Hamman, MD, DrPh
1995 William C. Knowler, MD, DrPh
1994 Ronald Klein, MD, MPH
1993 Trevor J. Orchard, MD
1992 Maureen I. Harris, PhD
1991 Paul Zimmet, MD, PhD
1990 Michael Stern, MD
1989 Harry Keen, MD
1988 Ronald E. LaPorte, PhD
1987 Elizabeth L. Barrett-Connor, MD
1986 Peter H. Bennett, MD