The Capacity-Building Award was created in 2008 to recognize individuals or groups for their contribution toward building capacity in the environmental sciences within countries with developing economies. “Capacity building” refers to a broad range of activities that might include any combination of education, professional development, training, and the development of analytical capabilities and other infrastructure that will support the principles and practices for protection, enhancement and management of sustainable environmental quality and ecosystem integrity. Emphasis is given to the promotion the advancement and application of scientific research related to contaminants and other stressors in the environment, education in the environmental sciences, and the use of science in environmental policy and decision-making.