The Chester M. Pierce Human Rights Award recognizes the extraordinary efforts of individuals to promote the human rights of populations with mental health needs by bringing attention to their work. Originally established in 1990 to raise awareness of human rights abuses, the award was renamed in 2017 to honor Chester M. Pierce, MD (1927-2016) and recognize his dedication as an innovative researcher on humans in extreme environments, an advocate against disparities, stigma, and discrimination, and as a pioneer and visionary in global mental health. In 2021, the award was endowed through the efforts of the Chester M. Pierce Human Rights Endowment Campaign and the generous support of donors. The endowed award provides the awardee with a lectureship, travel stipend of $5,000, and a plaque at the APA Annual Meeting.

Applications open May 30, 2025.

Program Benefits

• $5,000
• Plaque
• Award lecture

Criteria / Eligibility

Individuals who demonstrate extraordinary efforts to promote the human rights of populations with mental health needs by bringing attention to their work.

Selection Criteria

All nominees for this award should have demonstrated evidence of work that includes the following:

• Extraordinary efforts to promote the human rights of populations with mental health needs;
• Efforts reflecting the vision and values of Chester M. Pierce, MD;
• Efforts reflecting current state of the nation/world; and
• Efforts that would benefit from bringing attention to them.

Selection Committee

The Selection Committee is comprised of six members including a Chair.

The committee reviews and scores each application using the above selection criteria. The APAF Board of Directors reviews the recommendations of the selection committee for final approval.

Nomination / Application Details

• A call for nominations will be put out each year.
• Nominations can be submitted at apply.psychiatry.org.
• Self-nominations and nominations by a colleague are accepted.

Nominations must include the following information:

1. Cover sheet to include:
   • Nominee name, email, preferred phone number.
   • Nominator name, email, preferred phone number (if not a self-nomination).
2. Abbreviated CV (maximum five pages)
3. Letters of nominations and support

Application Open Date

May 30

Deadline

All applications must be submitted by August 15. Submissions will not be considered if they are incomplete or submitted after the deadline.

Notification

Recipients will receive notification no later than January 31.

Award Presentation

Presented at award lecture during APA's Annual Meeting.

Contact

APA Foundation
[email protected]