In 1963, the American Chemical Society awarded the Priestley Medal to Peter Debije “to recognize distinguished services to chemistry,” the Society’s most prestigious award.

Debye’s accomplishments during his research and academic career can best be measured by the honors bestowed upon him during his career. He received honorary doctoral degrees from at least six European universities including degrees from the universities of Brussels, Liege and Oxford. In addition, he received honorary doctorates from at least eight American universities, including Harvard and Notre Dame Universities.

In addition to the 14 honorary doctoral degrees, Debye was also honored with numerous awards. Debye received the Rumford Medal from the Royal Society of London, England, the Franklin and Faraday Medals, the Lorentz Medal of the Royal Netherlands Academy, the Max Planck Medal of the West German Physical Society, and the Priestly Medal of the American Chemical Society, among others.