Dr. James "Jim" Corones led a distinguished career as a researcher, administrator and, not least, founder of the Krell Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the scientific and educational communities. Under his guidance, Krell grew to supervise many projects and programs, most notably two Department of Energy-sponsored graduate fellowships: the Computational Science Graduate Fellowship (DOE CSGF) and the Stewardship Science Graduate Fellowship (DOE NNSA SSGF).
Jim envisioned the Krell Institute as a vehicle to educate superior scientists for the U.S. workforce, helping the country continue to lead the world in multiple disciplines. He was an advocate for mentoring and developing leaders in the scientific community and established programs encouraging scientists to communicate about their research with general audiences. His work helped establish the fields of computational science, advanced high-performance computing and national nuclear safety.
In his honor and memory, the Krell Institute has established the James Corones Award in Leadership, Community Building and Communication to recognize the impact of mid-career scientists and engineers on their chosen fields across a range of areas.
Learn more about Jim's life, professional pursuits and personal interests.
About/Eligibility
This award recognizes mid-career scientists and engineers — those having earned a Ph.D. within the past 10 to 20 years — who are making an impact in leadership, community building AND science communication. The recipient will be someone who encourages and mentors young people to be active in the science community, to communicate their work effectively and to make a difference in their scientific area. The prize will consist of a $2,000 cash award, an engraved tangible gift and personalized recognition coordinated with the winner.
Nominations
Each Corones Award nomination must include:
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A letter from the nominator
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Three additional reference letters speaking to the nominee's character and accomplishments
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The nominee's CV
How to Submit a Nomination (Deadline: December 1, 2025)
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Write a nomination letter: Describe the nominee’s activities, accomplishments and character, particularly in relation to the goals of this award and the legacy of Jim Corones. This letter should serve as a comprehensive introduction and endorsement.
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Secure three letters of reference: Identify and contact three individuals who can provide strong letters of support. Ensure all letters are collected during the active nomination period: October 1 – December 1, 2025. These letters should provide varied perspectives and specific examples of the nominee's impact.
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Obtain the nominee’s CV
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Submit the complete nomination package: Once all documents are ready, complete and submit the official Corones Award Nomination Form by December 1, 2025. You'll be directed to a Box folder to upload your materials.
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Preferred format: A single PDF including all five documents.
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Questions
Contact Krell staff at corones-award[at]krellinst.org.
Decision & Award Timeline
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January 2026: Review committee convenes
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February 2026: Winner announced
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Spring 2026: Promotional outreach and award presentation
Past Winners
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2025: Kenneth Hanson, Florida State University (press release)
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2024: Suzanne Shontz, University of Kansas (press release)
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2023: Tammy Ma, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (press release)
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2022: Paul M. Sutter, Johns Hopkins University (formerly Stony Brook) (press release)
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2021: Jeffrey A.F. Hittinger, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (press release)
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2020: Bethany L. Goldblum, University of California, Berkeley (press release)
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2019: Rebecca Hartman-Baker, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (press release)
Donate to the Award Fund
To contribute to the award fund, follow the steps below. Refer to our giving page for additional options and guidance.
Credit card: Donate via Paypal Giving Fund.
Check:
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Make payable to "Krell Institute" and note "Corones Award" in the memo line
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Mail to: Krell Institute; Attn: Finance; 1609 Golden Aspen Drive Suite 101; Ames, IA 50010
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Be sure to include the name(s) of those contributing and a physical and/or email address for gift acknowledgment
Questions: Direct to Shelly Olsan via our web form.