Nominees should be aware that the demonstration of significant scientific innovation alone is insufficient for consideration of the SMR Award. The distinguishing feature of the SMR Award is the demonstration of scientific innovation leading to actual drug discovery, which in most cases will require that the discovery be in very late clinical trials or on the market. Drug should not be interpreted as referring solely to small molecules but thought of in the wider context to include protein therapeutics. The award is not necessarily limited to an individual but may be granted to a group or team.

Nominations for the Award will be considered at the start of the Award year. The SMR is happy to receive any nominations consistent with the guidelines above. Those nominations that were unsuccessful at the first time of submission will also be reconsidered, in which case, further submission data may be requested. The SMR will also issue its own invitations as appropriate. In all cases, the documentation required is the same and is outlined below. A downloadable template is now available on the website to enable the SMR to receive electronic submissions rather than hard copy. This is preferable but not essential.

The nomination should contain:

1. Brief introduction and background. Drug discovery and development is a lengthy process and therefore the nomination may be made some time after the actual discovery. It is essential that the nominees describe the state of the science and technology prevailing at the time of the discovery.

2. The key innovatory features of the discovery must be explicitly stated. Again if necessary, these should be put into context by emphasising the prevailing knowledge at the time of the discovery.

3. The importance of the discovery: its therapeutic uses, benefits and advantages.

4. Biographical details of the nominated person or persons with a publication list giving full references (titles must be included). Reprints are not necessary.

5. If the nomination is being made by individuals within the same organisation, the nomination should be supported by a distinguished person or persons with knowledge of the field who are external to that organisation.

Nominations should be sent to the SMR Secretariat, marked for the attention of the Chairman. Nominations may be sent in at any time, but the deadline for consideration in any award year is the 1st July of that year. Awards are normally granted in odd-numbered alternate years, e.g. 1991, 1993 etc.