About the Luther L. Terry Awards
The Luther L. Terry Awards honour individuals and organisations who have made exceptional contributions to tobacco control and prevention around the world. They are named in memory of United States Surgeon General Luther L. Terry, whose landmark 1964 report on Smoking and Health laid the foundation for the modern tobacco control movement.
These prestigious awards are presented by the American Cancer Society and the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union).
Re-established as part of the World Conference on Tobacco Control 2025
In 2025, there were two award categories:
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The Young Pioneer Award recognises an emerging leader who is championing a breakthrough idea/technology/program/campaign that is advancing the field of tobacco control beyond traditional efforts with demonstrated positive outcomes. This award is intended to celebrate the achievements of a new generation of tobacco control leaders and their burgeoning contribution to the field, expressed through innovation and implementation of new ideas and intervention development.
Nominees should be early career – 40 years of age or younger.
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The Distinguished Career Award recognises an individual’s long-term leadership in the field of tobacco control. Nominees should have made significant and well-recognised contributions to the field and have noticeably furthered the goals of tobacco control. Distinguished Career Award nominees will have served as role models and mentors to others in the tobacco control movement.
Nominees should be late-career or retired.
Recipients
2025
- Rob Cunningham, lawyer and Senior Policy Analyst, Canadian Cancer Society – Distinguished Career
- Lisa Lu, CEO of International Youth Tobacco Control – Young Pioneer Awardee (joint)
- Leslie Rae Ferat, Executive Director of Global Alliance for Tobacco Control – Young Pioneer Awardee (joint)