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About

The Lawrence H. Mamiya Excellence in Public Service Award is presented to a member of the American Academy of Religion who has demonstrated a commitment to research and activism that betters the world at large. This scholar’s public service is demonstrated through activism, public policymaking, community service and deep engagement with the wider public.  Motivated by a broad concern for the public good, the recipient directly and concretely serves society by making knowledge and skills from one’s discipline relevant and useful to those in need in the community.  Turning research into public advocacy, activism and social change is the hallmark of this award.

Membership in the American Academy of Religion is required for nominators and nominees.

Nominations of others and/or self-nominations are welcome.

Criteria

  • Commitment to research and activism, as demonstrated by the scholar’s public service, activism, public policymaking, community service, and deep engagement with the wider public.
  • Concern for the public good, and serving society directly and concretely by making knowledge and skills from one’s discipline relevant and useful to those in need in the community.
  • Commitment and contribution to turning research into public advocacy, activism and social change.

Nomination Instructions

To be eligible for consideration, a completed nomination form and the following required nomination materials must be submitted through the AAR Award Nominations Portal by the deadline.

  1. Letter of Nomination: A two-page letter that highlights the nominee’s achievements with respect to the criteria listed above.
  2. Public Service Statement: A statement of no more than 1000 words which describes the nominee’s commitment to research and activism, and includes examples of engagement with the wider public, public policymaking, and community service activities.
  3. CV: A curriculum vitae of no more than three pages that fronts achievements in public service, advocacy, and  community service.

Nominations without the required supporting materials cannot be considered. The nominator will need to gather the required nomination materials and submit them.

Late, emailed, or incomplete nomination forms or nomination materials, cannot be accepted.

Selection Process

The members of the AAR Excellence Awards Jury review all eligible nominations and select the award winner.

A vote of the jury determines the winner.

Notification and Winner Expectations

The award winner is typically announced by early spring.

The award winner will be featured in a special session of the June Annual Meetings/an AAR WebinAAR.

Questions

For questions, please contact awards@aarweb.org.

Submission Status

  • Now Accepting Applicants

Submission Deadline

September 16, 2026 6:00 pm ET

Recognition Type

  • Award

Award Amount

$1,000