Award Description
Established in 1982, the Physiology in Perspective Walter B. Cannon Award Lectureship recognizes an APS member who is an outstanding physiological scientist. Selected by the American Physiological Society (APS) Executive Committee, the recipient is honored for original lifetime achievements in the field of physiology.
The awardee presents a “Physiology in Perspective” lecture at the American Physiology Summit addressing Cannon’s concepts of “The Wisdom of the Body.” The presentation may also be considered for publication in the Society journal of the recipient’s choosing.
Award Criteria
Nominees will be evaluated on the significance of their scientific contributions in the field of physiology, as demonstrated through the submitted materials.
The nomination synopsis should describe the nominee’s research achievements, advances to the field, and overall contributions to physiology. It should clearly articulate the nominee’s scientific accomplishments and their relevance to the broader scientific community.
Eligibility
Nominee must:
- Be an APS member in good standing for at least three consecutive years.
Nomination Requirements
A complete nomination must include:
- A PDF of the nominee’s curriculum vitae.
- Two letters detailing the nominee’s current position of employment and contributions to the field of physiology.
Conditions of the Award
The recipient must:
- Deliver the award lecture at the Summit.
- Select up to 10 abstracts of distinction in their research field.
The awardee is responsible for arranging their travel funding beyond the reimbursement provided as part of the award.
Nominators are responsible for confirming the nominee can attend the Summit. The award cannot be delayed and is contingent upon funding.
About Walter B. Cannon
Walter B. Cannon (1871-1945) was a pioneering physiologist whose research helped establish modern understanding of the body’s ability to maintain internal stability, a concept her termed homeostasis in The Wisdom of the Body.
A graduate of Harvard Medical School, Cannon began working in the laboratory of Henry Pickering Bowditch as a first-year medical student in 1896. His early research used newly discovered X-rays to study swallowing and stomach motility, leading to a publication in the first issue of the American Journal of Physiology in January 1898.
Cannon was an active APS member for nearly 45 years and served the Society in many leadership roles, including as a member of Council and as APS treasurer. His scientific and organizational contributions helped shape both the discipline of physiology and the Society itself.
Award at a Glance
Award amount: $4,000 and up to $2,500 in travel expense reimbursement for participation at the American Physiology Summit
Application deadline: Oct. 6
Questions? Contact: APS Community Engagement Department