Award Profile:
The Banting Medal for Scientific Achievement is the highest scientific award from the American Diabetes Association® (ADA). Given in memory of Sir Frederick Banting, a medical scientist, doctor, and Nobel laureate who is noted as one of the key investigators in the discovery of insulin, the Banting Medal is awarded annually to honor a highly meritorious career achievement in the field of diabetes research.
Criteria for Selection (Candidates can be peer or self-nominated):
- Nominee will have demonstrated highly original, sustained and reproducible scholarship that has made major contributions to the understanding of diabetes, its treatment and/or prevention
- Both translational and basic science contributions will be considered.
- Nominee must have MD, PhD, MD/PhD degree or equivalent.
- 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:
- Recipient will deliver the Banting Lecture at the 86th Scientific Sessions in New Orleans, LA on June 5–8, 2026. (Must be presented in person.)
- Recipient will be offered the opportunity to publish their lecture in an ADA scientific journal.
Honorarium/Travel/Registration:
- The recipient receives a $20,000 honorarium.
- Award includes two round-trip coach airfares and hotel accommodations for the duration of the meeting.
- 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 Banting 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 three3 individuals. Letter of nomination/support should address criteria for selection.
- Nominee’s biography.
- Nominee’s CV with career and publication highlights.
- Annotated list of the nominee’s 10 most significant publications.
Questions? Contact 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 Executive Committee of the American Diabetes Association, February 2026.