This award is given annually to honor scientists or engineers from the region whose lifetime scientific contributions have been exceptional. The award was first presented at CNTA’s 13th Annual Edward Teller Lecture and Banquet on November 18, 2004. 

Learn more about the Distinguished Scientist Award here or the Annual Edward Teller Lecture and Banquet here. 

Here is a list of the previous winners of the Distinguished Scientist Award:

  • 2023- Dr. Eliel Villa-Aleman
  • 2022 -Dr. M. John Plodinec
  • 2021- Dr. Theodore (Ted) Besmann
  • 2020- Dr. Paul F. Cloessner
  • 2019- Dr. Dan Gabriel Cacuci
  • 2018 – Dr. Brian A. Powell
  • 2017 – Dr. Jerry D. Allison
  • 2016 – Dr. Christine Langton
  • 2015 – Dr. Natraj C. Iyer
  • 2014 – Dr. Zheng Chang
  • 2013 – Dr. David T. Hobbs
  • 2012 – Dr. John A. Swegle
  • 2011 – Dr. Travis Knight
  • 2010 – Dr. Robert L. Sindelar
  • 2009 – Dr. Alfred J. Garrett
  • 2008 – Dr. Frank T. Avignone III
  • 2007 – Dr. Hadyn T. Williams
  • 2006 – Dr. Brian Looney
  • 2005 – Dr. George Wicks
  • 2005 – Dr. Ned Bibler
  • 2003 – Dr. Major Thompson & Mr. Paul Hebert
  • 2002 – Dr. Susan Wood
  • 2001 – Dr. Whit Gibbons
  • 2000 – Dr. Mac Louthan
  • 1999 – Dr. Carl Fliermans
  • 1998 – Mr. Al Boni
  • 1997 – Dr. Carol Jantzen
  • 1996 – Dr. Ed Albenesius