Recognizing outstanding contributions to chemical information, documentation, and scientific communication.
The Patterson-Crane Award is jointly presented by the Columbus and Dayton Sections of the American Chemical Society to recognize meritorious accomplishments in chemical information, broadly defined.
Recipients receive a $3,000 honorarium, a personalized commendation, and travel support to attend the Central Regional Meeting (CERM), where they deliver an award address.
The Patterson-Crane Award honors Austin M. Patterson (1876–1956) and E. J. Crane (1889–1966), two influential figures in the field of chemical information.
The original Austin M. Patterson Award was established by the Dayton Section in 1949. Patterson was recognized for his leadership in organic chemical nomenclature and his work as editor of Chemical Abstracts. E. J. Crane, who later received the award, served as editor of Chemical Abstracts from 1915–1958.
In 1975, the Dayton and Columbus Sections joined together to establish the Patterson-Crane Award. The biennial award continues to recognize significant contributions to chemical information and resumed in 2026 following a pause during and after the 2020 pandemic.
Nominations for the award must be in writing and should include a one- to three-page nomination letter highlighting the nominee’s contributions to the field of chemical information as well as an evaluation of accomplishments.
Materials supporting the nomination should include a biography and bibliography of publications and presentations relevant to the award.
One or two seconding letters are required.
Nominators must be members of the American Chemical Society.
The nominee is not required to be an ACS member.
The nominee must give an address at the award dinner.
Nominations have closed for the 2026 award. Look for nomination information in autumn 2027.
Austin M. Patterson
Arthur B. Lamb
E. J. Crane
Howard S. Nutting
Melvin G. Mellon
Leonard T. Capell
G. Malcolm Dyson
W. Albert Noyes Jr.
Elmer Hockett
Melville L. Wolfrom
Herman Skolnik
Charles D. Hurd
Pieter E. Verkade
William J. Wiswesser
Benjamin H. Weil
Dale B. Baker
W. Conard Fernelius
Eugene Garfield
Bruno J. Zwolinski
Kurt L. Loening
George E. Vladutz
David R. Lide, Jr.
Hideaki Chihara
Arthur E. Martell
Derek Horton
Stephen E. Stein
Gerard P. Moss
Robert J. Massie
Gilles Klopman
Gary D. Wiggins
Peter Willett
Stephen Heller
Paul Weiss
Advancing chemistry, education, and community engagement throughout Central Ohio.
© 2026 Columbus Section ACS | An official local section of the American Chemical Society