RCSA Horizons

The people, research, and ideas advancing science.

September 2026

10 Scientists to Launch Innovative Research Projects with Cottrell SEED Awards

The award supports Cottrell Scholars and Holland Award recipients as they pursue high-risk, high-reward ideas at the earliest stages of discovery.

A Nanoscience Mystery Inside a Critical Mineral

The Kavli Foundation highlighted one Scialog team's work to understand radiation damage and repair in monazite, a mineral that can harbor rare elements.

RCSA Community In the News

Coastal physics: The mechanics of ocean waves

PENN TODAY — From wind ripples to tides the size of the planet, Cottrell Scholar Arnold Mathijssen explains what’s really rolling towards the shore.

International body honors UC Santa Cruz physicist with Frontiers of Science Award

UC SANTA CRUZ NEWS — Cottrell Scholar Edgar Shaghoulian was honored by the International Congress of Basic Science at an August 9 ceremony in Beijing with a Frontiers of Science Award in the category of formal quantum field theory.

Researchers clear hurdle toward ‘EKG for a single cell’

UCHICAGO NEWS — A University of Chicago-led team, including Cottrell Scholar Aaron Esser-Kahn, resolves flaw in quantum biosensors that could unlock detailed views of how life works.

Dr. Yogesh Surendranath Delivers 8th Annual Schneller Frontier Lecture at SCC

AUBURN TODAY — Yogesh Surendranath, the Donner Professor in the College of Science at MIT and a Cottrell Scholar, presented his research on “Using Electrochemistry to Understand and Control Sustainable Thermochemical Catalysis.”

Nominations Are Open!

Cottrell STAR Award

The Cottrell STAR Award is designed to recognize the outstanding research and educational accomplishments of members of the Cottrell Scholar community, including Holland Award recipients. Additionally, the award serves to encourage the improvement of science education at American and Canadian universities and colleges and raise the national profile of the Cottrell Scholars and Holland Awardees. The STAR award consists of a $5,000 cash prize to the recipient. STAR award applications are initiated by nominations.

Cottrell IMPACT Award

The Cottrell IMPACT Award is designed to recognize the work of a Cottrell Scholar or Holland Award recipient who has had a national impact in science through leadership and service activities. Additionally, the award encourages academic leadership excellence in the Cottrell Scholar community and beyond, and raises the national profile of the Cottrell Scholars and Holland Awardees. The IMPACT award consists of a $5,000 cash prize. Applications are submitted after nominations by institutional leaders or by Cottrell Scholars or Holland Awardees.

Calendar

Oct. 15-18, 2026

Scialog: Quantum, Matter, and Information Conference

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Congratulations! Several members of the RCSA community are receiving 2027 American Chemical Society National Awards — recognition of some of the most influential work happening in #chemistry today.