The Division Outstanding Early Career Scientists Award (formerly Division Outstanding Young Scientists Award) recognises scientific achievements in the field covered by the related division, made by an early career scientist.

Candidates for the Division Outstanding Early Career Scientists Award are first evaluated by the relevant division presidents who forward the best candidate to the chair of the Union Awards Committee. Four candidates are then selected by the Council and awarded at the Union level (Arne Richter Award for Outstanding Early Career Scientists). The remaining best candidates are awarded by the relevant division.