The Ernest Orlando Lawrence Award is bestowed by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to mid-career scientists and engineers in recognition of exceptional scientific, technical, and engineering achievements related to the broad missions of DOE and its programs. The Lawrence Award, established in 1959 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower and the Atomic Energy Commission, honors Ernest O. Lawrence, the 1939 Nobel Laureate in physics who helped establish the DOE laboratory system.

The objectives of the Ernest Orlando Lawrence Award is to encourage excellence in energy science and technology; to inspire people to dedicate their lives and talents to scientific and technological effort, through the examples of Ernest O. Lawrence and the Lawrence Award laureates; and to highlight the accomplishments of the U.S. scientific and technological communities associated with DOE.

The 2026 Lawrence Award Ceremony will be held on November 13, 2026, at the James V. Forrestal Building located at 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585. There will be a reception following the Award Ceremony for in-person attendees. The event will begin at 2:00 PM ET and conclude at 4:30 PM ET.

The Lawrence Award Ceremony will be a hybrid event. You may attend and participate in-person in Washington, DC or from anywhere using our virtual platform. Registration is required for both in-person and virtual attendance. For in-person participation, please register by October 30, 2026 if you do not possess a DOE HSPD-12 PIV badge. Please contact Awards@orau.org for more information.