Kelly 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): 

• Must impact scientific publications and presentations at scientific meetings related to the epidemiology of diabetes.
• Must impact national and international stature in the field of diabetes epidemiology.
• Must be an impactful teacher and mentor.
• MD, PhD, MPH degree, or equivalent is required.
• 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 broader diabetes community may also be taken into consideration.   

Lecture/Publication of Lecture:

• The recipient will deliver the Kelly West Award Lecture at the 85^th Scientific Sessions in Chicago, IL, taking place June 20–23, 2025 (must be presented in person).
• The recipient will be offered the opportunity to publish the lecture in an American Diabetes Association^® (ADA) 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.

2025 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 20, 2024. 
• 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:

  • The letter of nomination/support, whether peer or self-nominated, must be no more than 400 words and signed by no more than three individuals. It should address the criteria for selection.
  • The nominee’s biography
  • The nominee’s CV with career, mentoring, and publication highlights.
  •  The nominee’s list of current and former mentees/trainees.

  Questions? Email Gedeon Topacio, program manager of research & scientific programs, 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 2025.

2024 Kelly West Award Winner

Dr. V. Mohan, MD, PhD, DSc, FACP, FACE