Michigan State University Professor Morteza Mahmoudi has been named the recipient of the 2026 Award for Scientific Freedom and Responsibility by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, or AAAS.

The award recognizes Mahmoudi, an associate professor in the Department of Radiology and the Precision Health Program at the MSU College of Human Medicine, for his efforts to combat academic bullying and harassment and to empower scientists facing mistreatment in academic workplaces.

“This award is a victory for everyone working to end bullying and harassment in academia,” Mahmoudi said. “I am proud to see our advocacy for a safer, more inclusive scientific community being recognized. We and many other people working in the field are proving that scientific progress cannot happen without scientific responsibility.”

Advancing responsibility in science

The AAAS Award for Scientific Freedom and Responsibility honors exemplary actions that protect public welfare, defend the professional freedom of scientists and engineers, and highlight the broader social responsibilities of science. Recipients are often recognized for speaking out under difficult circumstances or for building systems that protect integrity within scientific institutions.

Mahmoudi is being recognized for his sustained advocacy on behalf of individuals targeted by bullying and harassment in academia and for advancing a culture of accountability, safety and inclusion within scientific communities.

His research has focused on increasing awareness about the root causes and proposing possible solutions to address academic bullying and harassment alongside with supporting individuals who experience bullying and harassment, helping them navigate institutional systems, understand their rights and advocate for change.

“It’s critical that we have broader conversations about power dynamics and accountability of responsibility in scientific workplaces,” Mahmoudi said. “While this award is a great recognition, this work does not stop, and we must continue striving to make our workplaces more inclusive because it ultimately promotes stronger research. I dedicate this award to all who have fought for freedom across sectors, and especially to the brave Iranian patriots who lost their lives in pursuit of liberty.”

Morteza's award video starts at 4:16. Courtesy AAAS.

Founded in 1848, AAAS is the world’s largest multidisciplinary scientific society and the publisher of Science. Through its awards program, the organization recognizes individuals and organizations whose work strengthens both scientific discovery and its role in society.

Mahmoudi’s award will be formally presented during a special ceremony at the AAAS Annual Meeting on Feb. 13 in Phoenix, Arizona. More information about the award is available on the AAAS website.