CSSI AWARDS

The CSSI solicits nominations throughout the year. The Awards Committee reviews the applications and determines the awardees based on their academic accomplishments. Nominees will be contacted and asked to submit a cover letter highlighting their contributions to the chaperone and stress research along with their most recent CV. The nominees are also expected to be a member of CSSI. The Awards Committee makes its recommendation to the Executive Council where they make the final decision on the winners. The CSSI President will notify the awardees, and they will receive a certificate, as well as recognition on the CSSI website. Awardees are also expected to participate in the Biannual Meeting.

The Medallion of the Cell Stress Society International

This is awarded to a senior scientist in recognition of scientific research contributions to the heat shock and cellular stress response field over the course of a career. Contributions to the progress of international scientific cooperation and understanding are also considered. Awardees are selected by the CSSI Council.

Ferruccio Ritossa Research Scholar Award

The Cell Stress Society International has established The Ferruccio Ritossa Early Career Award. The Ferruccio Ritossa Early Career Award celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of the discovery of the heat shock response by Professor Ferruccio Ritossa. The award is named to celebrate the discovery of the heat shock response by Professor Ferruccio Ritossa who was early in his academic career when he made this pioneering discovery. Thus, it is fitting that the winner of this award must be an independent faculty (Assistant Professor, Associate Professor or equivalent). They must also be within 10 years of their initial faculty appointment (extension permitted for parental/medical leave, military service, major caregiving, pandemic-related delays). The nominee must have an active CSSI membership. The selected individual receives a travel award, and a certificate acknowledging the achievement along with a copy of the article published in Cell Stress & Chaperones memorializing the life of Ferruccio Ritossa signed by the President of CSSI.

Alfred Tissières Young Investigator Award

The Executive Council of the Cell Stress Society International has established The Alfred Tissières Young Investigator Award. The award is named in honor and remembrance of Professor Alfred Tissières, a pioneering investigator in the heat shock and cellular stress response field. Alfred Tissières was known broadly for his support and encouragement of young scientists. Thus, it is fitting that the winner of this award must be a senior postdoctoral fellow with 12 years since terminal degree (PhD, MD or equivalent), or an independent investigator within 5 years of starting their first independent research position. The nominee must have an active CSSI membership. The selected individual receives a travel award, and a certificate acknowledging the achievement, along with a copy of “Road to Rakaposhi” by George Band, the story of an expedition to summit Rakaposhi by the Cambridge University Mountaineering Club led by Alfred Tissières.

CSSI Distinguished Professorship Award

Presented biennially at the CSSI International Meeting, this award recognizes a researcher who has made significant and sustained contributions to the fields of stress biology and molecular chaperone research. Accomplishments of note may include impactful publications, participation on distinguished panels, advisory or leadership roles, and overall influence in advancing the discipline. The selected individual receives a plaque recognizing the achievement.

CSSI Distinguished Service Award

Presented biennially at the CSSI International Meeting, this award honors a member who has significantly contributed to the growth, mission, and activities of the Society through dedicated service and/or lasting influence. The recipient does not necessarily need to be a prominent researcher but should exemplify commitment to advancing the Society’s goals and supporting its community. The selected individual receives a plaque recognizing the achievement.

Dr. Len Neckers Innovation Award

Presented biennially at the CSSI International Meeting, this award recognizes a member who has demonstrated exceptional creativity and innovation in advancing the field of stress biology, molecular chaperones, drug development, or related disciplines. The award honors the spirit of discovery and bold thinking exemplified by Dr. Len Neckers, and recipients are selected for contributions that open new directions or inspire transformative progress within the community. The selected individual receives a plaque recognizing their achievement.

CSSI Dr. Larry Hightower Award for Excellence in Mentorship

In the spirit of Dr. Hightower, this award honors mentors who pair high scientific standards with care for their trainees. They invest time, give clear guidance, share credit, and build inclusive, collaborative labs. Their steady support helps trainees become independent scientists and strengthens our community. Presented biennially at the CSSI International Meeting, this award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to mentoring in the fields of cellular stress, molecular chaperones, and proteostasis in health and disease. The award honors those who have inspired and guided the next generation of scientists, fostered collaborative and supportive research environments, and advanced the values of the Society through their commitment to training and leadership. The selected individual receives a plaque recognizing their achievement.

Dr. Susan Lindquist Women in Chaperone and Stress Research Award

Presented biennially at the CSSI International Meeting, this award honors the legacy of Dr. Susan Lindquist, a trailblazer in the field of stress biology whose groundbreaking discoveries reshaped our understanding of heat shock proteins, protein folding, and cellular stress responses. Dr. Lindquist was also a tireless advocate for women in science, mentoring and inspiring countless scientists worldwide. The Lindquist Award recognizes an exemplary female scientist who has made outstanding contributions to research in cellular stress, molecular chaperones, and proteostasis in health and disease. Recipients embody scientific excellence, creativity, and leadership, while also reflecting the spirit of mentorship and advocacy that defined Dr. Lindquist’s career. The selected individual receives a plaque recognizing their achievement.