Recognition Awards

2026 Nominations Now Open

2025 Recognition Awards

Nominate an Exceptional Colleague

The deadline for 2025 nominations was March 31, 2025, and nominations are now open for 2026 awards.
Winners will be notified by Mid-Summer 2025 and awards bestowed at the NASS 2025 Annual Meeting.
Current NASS Board Members are not eligible.
View the current list of NASS Board Members here.

Nominate Now!

Letter of Recommendation

A letter of recommendation is NOT required at the time of submission; however, if your nominee is one of the final candidates for an award, a formal letter will be required at a later date. If you would like to submit a Letter of Recommendation at this time, please email it to the NASS office.

Types of Awards

NASS has six awards available to recognize unique and outstanding contributions to the field of spine. Three of the awards were named for founding members of NASS who not only made outstanding contributions to the field of spinal disorder management, but also played key roles in the early success of NASS. In 2015 NASS added two awards: Spine Advocacy and Past President (Candidate must be 2 years removed from Presidency/Awarded every three years); and in 2025 the International Award was added.

View Award Winners

To recognize excellence in leadership and/or clinical research in spine care.

To recognize outstanding contributions in spine related basic science research.

To recognize contributions to the art and science of spinal disorder management through service to NASS. (Past Presidents of NASS not eligible)

To recognize a Past President of NASS who has made exceptional contributions to the society and its mission following their presidency. (Candidate must be 2 years removed from Presidency/Awarded every three years/Next award in 2027)

To recognize members of the North American Spine Society who have made exceptional contributions to the federal advocacy efforts on behalf of patients and members of the society.

To recognize International members of the North American Spine Society who have made outstanding contributions in basic science research, clinical research, or service to NASS.