The Desert Research Institute (DRI), Nevada's leading scientific research organization, is dedicated to promoting research and technology in the economic diversification of Nevada as well as growing industrial support for Nevada's academic research and development activities. DRI believes that it is important to highlight these efforts as widely as possible both within and outside Nevada. To recognize achievement in this vital area, DRI promotes these awards and honors to individuals showing exemplary dedication.
Ansari Chair in Entrepreneurialism and Science
The Nazir and Mary Ansari Chair in Entrepreneurialism and Science is a $75,000 award spread over three years funded by the Nazir & Mary Ansari Foundation.
Ansari Medal for Excellence in Science
The Nazir and Mary Ansari Medal for Excellence in Science provides recognition for outstanding research contributions through: 1. program building; 2. publications: and/or 3. patents and intellectual property. The Medal will be awarded each year to a faculty member or post-doctoral researcher at DRI. The medal is presented for accomplishments over a one to three year period of performance. The recipient receives a $2,000 prize to the recipient and will also be required to give lectures in Las Vegas and Reno.
Maki Chair of Hydrologic Sciences
The Maki Chair of Hydrologic Sciences is designed as a rotating position with duration of one to three years and an annual budget of $50,000. All DHS full-time Rank III or IV research faculty with at least five years of service at the Rank II or above level, and who have not held this position for a time equal to at least twice the duration of the prior award, are eligible for consideration.
The Nevada Medal nomination process is a continuing effort of soliciting and accepting nominations from universities, government agencies, corporations, private and non-profit research groups and professional societies and individuals to acknowledge outstanding achievement in science and engineering.
The DRI President's Medal is the institute's highest non-scientific honor and its equivalent to the honorary doctorates awarded by the teaching campuses of the University and Community College System of Nevada.
Wagner Medal of Excellence for DRI Scholars in the Early Stages of Career Development
The Peter B. Wagner Medal of Excellence recognizes outstanding scientific accomplishments of DRI faculty in the early stages of their careers. This Wagner award recognizes scholars who meet standards of excellence in research creativity, productivity, and contributions to science. Recipients of the award must demonstrate a deep commitment to the Institute through both internal participation in activities and programs as well as leadership in the broader scientific community. The Wagner award recipients will receive a $1,500 prize and medallion symbolizing their achievement.
Wagner Memorial Award for Women in Atmospheric Sciences
The Peter B. Wagner Memorial Award for Women in Atmospheric Sciences is an annual award of $1,500 made to a woman pursuing her Masters or Ph.D. in atmospheric sciences or a related program at a university in the United States. This award is based on a competitively selected research paper.