The Sidney D. Leverett, Jr., Environmental Science Award s presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution in the field of environmental medicine through a publication in Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance, or by activities conducted in support of aerospace systems operation. It is sponsored by the Environmental Tectonics Corporation.

Alejandro Garbino, M.D., Ph.D., is the 2026 winner of the Sidney D. Leverett, Jr., Environmental Science Award. He is being recognized for his seminal contribution to understanding and controlling the spaceflight environment and its effects on human health and performance. His work has shaped NASA’s exploration-class atmospheric standards for future lunar missions, helped to define acceptable carbon dioxide limits for space-suited astronauts, and established risk and contingency frameworks for medical and operational emergencies, directly enhancing crew safety and mission resilience. As principle investigator of the Exploration Atmospheres validation study, he leads a multidisciplinary team evaluating the safety of non-Earthlike atmospheres required to enable future extravehicular activity. His work supports evidence-based limits with direct implications for suit design, life support systems, and mission operations. He has demonstrated exceptional scientific rigor, clarity of communication, and an ability to translate complex physiological data into actionable guidance for engineers, flight surgeons, and senior leadership.