About ARO Awards
ARO Annual Awards
The Association for Research in Otolaryngology (ARO) recognizes exceptional scientific achievement, innovation, and contributions to hearing, balance, and related fields through its various annual awards. These awards celebrate researchers whose work has advanced scientific understanding, influenced clinical practice, and strengthened the otolaryngology research community.
Nominations Reopened for Three Honorific Awards
Nominations have reopened for three awards (Young Investigator Award, Pioneer Award, and Innovator Award) to be presented in connection with the 2027 ARO MidWinter Meeting, February 5–10, 2027, in San Francisco, California.
Extended Nomination Deadline: Monday, November 2, 2026
ARO Award of Merit
The ARO Award of Merit recognizes an individual who has made substantial scientific achievements in and contributions to the fields encompassed by otolaryngology. Nominees should be able to present a talk as part of the Award ceremony at the MidWinter Meeting the year of their award. The selection will be made in the Summer prior to the MidWinter Meeting.
ARO Travel Awards
For graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, residents, and audiologists, attendance at the MidWinter Meeting. See ARO Travel Awards for more information and to submit an application.
ARO Outreach Awards
This award is specifically designed to encourage and honor spARO members (trainees currently in or within 7 years of schooling) who are taking active roles in educating and inspiring local communities about hearing health and hearing-related research. Up to three winners are chosen each year. Learn more here.
The Geraldine Dietz Fox Young Investigator Award
This award recognizes early-career investigators who have demonstrated significant research accomplishments and exceptional promise in fields represented by ARO.
ARO Pioneer Award in Basic Science
The ARO Pioneer Award in Basic Science recognizes a body of work representing a significant advance in hearing, vestibular or related science, and established in the awardee’s own lab. The topic should be related to the scientific interests of the Association as represented at the Annual ARO meeting. As the award is for a body of work, the award may be shared among investigators who have worked as a team. The awardee(s) will be asked to give a scientific talk at the MidWinter Meeting the year of their award (one per award). The selection will be made in the Fall prior to the MidWinter Meeting.
ARO Innovator Award in Clinical Science
The ARO Innovator Award in Clincal Science recognizes a body of work that constitutes a significant advance relevant to clinical practice in hearing and vestibular disorders. The topic should be related to the scientific interests of the Association as represented at the Annual ARO meeting. As the award is for a body of work, the award may be shared among investigators who have worked as a team. The awardee(s) will be asked to give a scientific talk at the MidWinter Meeting the year of their award (one per award). The selection will be made in the Fall prior to the MidWinter Meeting.