The New England Psychological Association’s (NEPA) Distinguished Contribution Award (DCA) for 2026 will be presented to a psychologist with current or prior association with New England who has distinguished herself or himself in one or more of the following ways:

• Has advanced the science of psychology
• Has used psychology to advance individual and/or community well-being through service
• Has conducted programmatic research or service which is currently making major strides in furthering new knowledge in psychology
• Has engaged in teaching and mentoring in a manner reflecting commitment and innovation well beyond the norm The person chosen to receive the award will deliver the Distinguished Contribution Award Lecture at the Annual Meeting in Fall of 2026. The award will be augmented with a modest honorarium.

Nominations should include:

• A letter of nomination addressing the nominee’s contributions to psychology in the New England area.
• A brief statement of her or his association with New England.
• (Optional) letters of support for the nominee from other colleagues.
• The DCA committee will consider all nominees. In contrast to the past, there is no longer a need to contact the nominee in advance to confirm her or his willingness to be considered for this award or to solicit a vita from her or him. The candidate selected will be contacted by Dr. Ashley Hansen-Brown, the chair of the DCA committee, to confirm that he or she is willing to accept this award and to commit to giving the Distinguished Contribution Lecture at the 2026 NEPA Annual Meeting.

Distinguished Contribution Award Winners since 1996

2025 Dr. Beth Morling
2024 Dr. Jeffrey Jensen Arnett
2023 Dr. Randy O. Frost
2022 Ann Wolbert Burgess
2021 Dr. David. H. Barlow
2019 Dr. Julie K. Norem
2017 Dr. Steven Pinker
2016 Dr. David Kenny
2015 Dr. Bernard C. Beins
2014 Dr. Joan Bombace
2013 Dr. Kelly Brownell
2012 Dr. Ethel Tobach
2011 Dr. Erik Kandel
2010 Dr. Russell Church
2009 Dr. Jeremy Wolfe
2008 Dr. Ruth Striegel-Moore
2007 Dr. Norman H. Berkowitz
2006 Dr. Bernice Lott
2005 Dr. Ronald Levant
2004 Dr. Eugene Taylor
2003 Dr. Richard Lerner
2002 Dr. Bonnie Strickland
2001 Dr. Lewis Lipsitt
2000 Dr. Linda Bartoshuk
1999 Dr. Mortimer Appley
1998 Dr. Peter Merenda
1997 Dr. George Albee
1996 Dr. Edith Kaplan

The deadline for receipt of nominations is August 1, 2026

Submission Instructions: Email materials and inquiries regarding DCA nominations to nepsychological@gmail.com

Receipt of submissions will be acknowledged within one week via return email.