The NHPCO Distinguished Researcher Award recognizes an outstanding body of research that has contributed to the enhancement of hospice and palliative care. The award is given to an individual who has made substantial and sustained contributions to his or her field of hospice and palliative care through a body of research investigation. It is expected that the recipient will have made multiple contributions to the published literature over his or her career. Given that this is NHPCO's highest research award, it is expected that individuals who are nominated will be senior in rank and well-established researchers.