Official Energy
US energy department names 2026 lawrence award recipients
Nine mid-career scientists and engineers have been selected for the prestigious Ernest Orlando Lawrence Award by the United States Department of Energy.
Key points
- US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright announced nine winners for contributions to science, energy, and national security.
- The recognition honours mid-career researchers for achievements across nine scientific and engineering fields.
- Recipients will be celebrated during a hybrid ceremony scheduled in Washington, D.C., on November 13, 2026.
What happened
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, nine researchers have been chosen to receive the Ernest Orlando Lawrence Award for 2026. U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright revealed the list of honourees, highlighting their contributions to national security, science, and energy research and development.
The Department of Energy stated that the selected scientists and engineers have advanced fields ranging from fusion ignition to critical materials and high-performance computing. Established in 1959, the distinction is among the longest-running science and technology honours awarded by the United States government, specifically targeting mid-career professionals.
What comes next
A hybrid ceremony to celebrate the recipients is planned for November 13, 2026, in Washington, D.C. The event will feature a live online broadcast alongside limited in-person attendance, with registration requirements closing on October 30, 2026.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
CEII follows developments across the world’s energy system and connects them to the data behind them.
Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.