Each year a selection committee appointed by the Institute of Medicine considers the following criteria when determining the winner of the Sarnat Prize. 

The Sarnat Prize is awarded to individuals that demonstrated at least one of the following criteria:

• contributions to improve understanding of, or treatment for, mental disorders (basic biomedical or clinical research);
• innovations in mental health services (counseling, clinical care, prevention, amelioration of symptoms, or promotion of mental health); or
• public policy changes that foster science and/or improve mental health services. 

To encourage a broad range of candidates, there are no constraints on the education, profession, or specific discipline of individuals or organizations. The award may honor work in psychiatry, psychology, social work, nursing, public health, neuroscience, advocacy, or another relevant activity or field that serves to improve mental health research or services, and will be made without regard to nationality.

If you have questions about the award or nominations process, contact us at sarnat@nas.edu or 202.334.2177.