Awards and Honors

Grants for Education and Research

AACE Grants in Research, Education, Advocacy, and Direct Service (READS Grants Program)

Awarded: Semi-annually by the AACE Awards and Scholarships Committee to active AACE members in good standing who champion the highest standards for global cancer education through evidence-based practices to achieve quality outcomes. The grants are intended to assist AACE members in becoming more involved in research, education, teaching, and advocacy as well as direct service on national and international levels. Established: In 2019 to support AACE members in their cancer education goals.
Details and Recipients

Achievement in Education and Research

Margaret Hay Edwards Achievement Medal

Awarded: Annually by the AACE Advisory Committee to individuals who have made noteworthy contributions to cancer education. Each recipient receives a medal and $1,000. Established: 1986 in honor of Dr. Margaret Hay Edwards to recognize sustained outstanding contributions to cancer education.
Details and Recipients

R. Davilene Carter Presidential Prize for Best Manuscripts

Awarded: Annually by the AACE President for a research manuscript submitted to AACE for consideration. The awarded manuscript may or may not be published in the Journal of Cancer Education. Established: In Memory of R. Davilene Carter, President of AACE 1993.
Details and Recipients

AACE Fellows

Past Presidents are honored as AACE Fellows in recognition of their service to the Association. AACE also has a nomination process to add Fellows who are not Past Presidents to the Academy of Fellows.

R. Davilene Carter Young Investigators Presidential Prize (discontinued)

Recipients

Achievement in Patient Education

Until 2024, the following awards were given by the Cancer Patient Education Network (CPEN). After CPEN ceased operations at the end of 2024, AACE gladly adopted these awards with the blessing of CPEN's former Board members in order to continue this important recognition.

Excellence in Cancer Patient Education Award

Awarded: Annually by the AACE Awards and Scholarships Committee to a group or individual who has significantly contributed to cancer patient education. One recipient per awardee receives a complimentary registration to the International Cancer Education Conference.
Details and Recipients

Rising Star Award

Awarded: Annually by the AACE Awards and Scholarships Committee to an AACE member demonstrating excellence in a patient education role with fewer than 10 years of experience. The awardee receives a complimentary registration to the International Cancer Education Conference.
Details and Recipients

Retired CPEN Awards

Other awards formerly given by CPEN included the Founders Distinguished Service Award and the Gold Star Award. These awards are no longer given, but AACE is proud to recognize the past recipients of these prestigious awards.

Conference Presentations and
Travel Scholarships

Samuel C. Harvey Lecturers

Awarded: Annually by the AACE President for leadership in cancer education. The recipient delivers this prestigious lecture and receives a medal and $3,000 at the International Cancer Education Conference.
Established: 1951 to honor Samuel C. Harvey MD, PhB, FACS, 1886-1953.
Details and Recipients

Joseph F. O'Donnell MD Scholarship Award

Awarded: Annually in one or more grants of no more than $1,500 each to a conference attendee who is presenting a work focused on cancer education at the International Cancer Education Conference. This program provides financial assistance to U.S. and international applicants at any level of faculty appointment whose scholarly efforts are focused on service through mentoring students and utilizing literature and the arts as a way to reflect on service OR research/practice that focuses on cancer prevention or end-of-life care (e.g., caregiving, spiritual issues, suffering, etc.).
Established: 2014 to honor retired Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Cancer Education, Joseph F. O'Donnell MD.
Details and Recipients

Selma Morris Memorial Travel Scholarship Award

Awarded: Annually in one or more grants of no more than $1,500 each to encourage cancer educators (professionals, trainees, or students) around the globe to present work at the International Cancer Education Conference focused in the area of global (national and/or international) cancer education.
Established: 2013 in honor of Selma J. Morris, RN, MEd.
Details and Recipients

AACE Endowed Scholarship Award

Awarded: Annually in one or more grants of no more than $1,500 each to encourage cancer educators (professionals, trainees, or students) around the globe to present work at the International Cancer Education Conference. This program provides financial assistance to U.S. and international applicants from Minority Serving Institutions or Practicing Professionals (terminal degree not required).
Established: 2019 in support of AACE members.
Details and Recipients

Best Poster Awards

Awarded: Annually by the Program Committee of the International Cancer Education Conference.
Recipients

Best Abstract Awards (discontinued)