Luther L. Terry Awards

The Luther L. Terry Awards are globally recognised honours presented to individuals and organisations for outstanding contributions to tobacco control and public health. Named after Dr Luther Leonidas Terry, the ninth Surgeon General of the United States (1961–1965), these awards commemorate his historic 1964 Surgeon General’s Report on Smoking and Health, which first established the link between tobacco use and serious diseases such as cancer and heart disease. The awards symbolise the highest recognition in international tobacco control and are considered among the most prestigious in the field of global public health.

Background and Purpose

Established in the year 2000, the Luther L. Terry Awards are presented jointly by the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union). The awards are typically conferred during the World Conference on Tobacco or Health (WCTOH), an event that convenes global experts, policymakers, and health advocates to discuss progress in tobacco control and prevention strategies.
The primary purpose of the awards is to acknowledge and celebrate leadership, innovation, and sustained commitment to reducing tobacco use and its devastating impact on health. Recipients are selected for their excellence in advocacy, research, community service, or policy implementation that aligns with the overarching goal of achieving a tobacco-free world.

Award Categories

The Luther L. Terry Awards encompass several categories designed to recognise diverse forms of contribution within the tobacco control movement. Over time, the categories have included the following:

• Distinguished Career Award: Honours individuals who have demonstrated exceptional and sustained leadership in global tobacco control over a long period.
• Outstanding Individual Leadership: Recognises personal excellence and influential advocacy at national or international levels.
• Outstanding Organisation: Presented to institutions or networks that have made significant contributions to policy change or tobacco prevention programmes.
• Outstanding Research Contribution: Awarded to researchers whose scientific work has advanced the understanding of tobacco use and its health implications.
• Exemplary Leadership by a Government Ministry: Recognises governmental agencies that have implemented effective tobacco control policies.
• Outstanding Community Service: Acknowledges grassroots or community-level initiatives that have achieved measurable impact.
• Young Pioneer Award: Highlights emerging leaders, typically under forty years of age, who demonstrate innovation and promise in tobacco control initiatives.

Not all categories are presented in every cycle; selections are tailored to the current global landscape of tobacco control achievements.

Selection Criteria and Process

The selection process for the Luther L. Terry Awards is rigorous and international in scope. Nominations are open to individuals and organisations worldwide, encompassing work conducted at local, national, regional, or global levels. The Selection Committee, composed of leading public health experts and former award recipients, evaluates nominees based on specific criteria:

• Sustained Excellence: Demonstrated long-term effectiveness in tobacco control.
• Leadership: Evidence of influence, mentorship, and commitment to advancing public health.
• Innovation: Introduction of creative and effective strategies or policies.
• Impact: Tangible achievements resulting in reduced tobacco use or improved health outcomes.
• Integrity: Absolute independence from any affiliation with the tobacco industry.

Award recipients receive a commemorative medal and citation, and their achievements are celebrated publicly at the WCTOH ceremony, often attended by global health leaders and policymakers.

Notable Recipients and Global Recognition

Since its inception, the Luther L. Terry Awards have recognised numerous distinguished individuals and organisations across continents. Early recipients included pioneers in tobacco control research and policy, such as Dr Jonathan Samet, Dr Geoffrey Fong, and Dr Frank Chaloupka, for their influential scientific and economic studies on tobacco.
In subsequent years, recipients have included Professor Elif Dagli and Dr Constantine Vardavas, honoured for their leadership and advocacy in Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean region. Many awardees have been instrumental in developing national tobacco control laws, taxation policies, anti-smoking campaigns, and cessation programmes that have influenced public health strategies globally.
The awards have, therefore, become an enduring platform for celebrating both individual dedication and collective progress in tobacco control.

Significance and Impact

The Luther L. Terry Awards hold immense importance in the realm of public health for several reasons:

• They honour exemplary leadership and inspire others to contribute to tobacco control.
• They promote visibility for effective policies and community actions, encouraging replication and adaptation in different contexts.
• They reinforce global cooperation, recognising that tobacco use is a transnational health challenge.
• They preserve the legacy of Dr Luther L. Terry, whose 1964 report marked the beginning of modern anti-tobacco movements.

By acknowledging excellence in areas such as policy formulation, scientific research, and community mobilisation, the awards have strengthened the international tobacco control framework and motivated countless professionals and organisations to pursue sustained advocacy and innovation.

Legacy of Dr Luther L. Terry

Dr Luther L. Terry’s leadership as Surgeon General transformed the world’s understanding of tobacco-related diseases. His historic 1964 report, “Smoking and Health,” was the first official document to conclusively state that cigarette smoking causes lung cancer and other serious illnesses. This groundbreaking publication spurred legislative action, public awareness campaigns, and health education programmes worldwide.
The awards that bear his name thus serve as a continuing tribute to his pioneering spirit, scientific integrity, and commitment to human health.