The Distinguished Research Professional Award is given annually to recognize staff members who performed exceptional service in support of research at the University of Iowa by conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing results and performing operational duties associated with a laboratory or research program.  

This award is co- sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) and VP for Finance and Operations.

Eligibility and Criteria

All current permanent non-contract Merit Supervisory Exempt/Confidential and Professional and Scientific staff, with a 50 percent or greater appointment, are eligible for nomination. Self-nominations are not allowed. Deans, DEOs, department chairs/heads, supervisors, and other senior faculty or staff may serve as nominators. 

The following criteria will be used when selecting recipients for this award:

• Examples of outstanding contributions in pursuit of research goals (e.g., process improvements, program creation, substantive contributions to obtaining external funding, idea creation, innovation, etc.).
• Distinguished work that stands out as a set of exceptionally effective contributions to research.
• Direct work experience with University of Iowa researchers that extends over several years (7 years or more).
• Outstanding contributions that go beyond the ordinary fulfillment of the individual’s position duties.

Nomination and Selection Process

• Letter of Nomination - Attach a brief description, no more than 750 words in length, describing the nominee’s qualifications and accomplishments. Give specific examples.
• Up to two Letters of Endorsement. Letters of Endorsement should be no more than one page in length and address the criteria listed above.
• The Letter of Nomination and the Letters of Endorsement should be written by different people.
• Nominee's CV/Resume/Work History (up to 2 pages).

Late or incomplete materials will not be accepted. 

Submission Process and Deadline

The deadline for submissions is January 3, 2025. Submissions should be completed by Nominators.

Nominators, CLICK HERE to begin the submission process.  Click "Apply" and sign-in with your Hawk ID and password through the blue "University of Iowa Login" button.  If you have problems or questions, contact Lauren Galliart (lauren-galliart@uiowa.edu) in the OVPR well ahead of the deadline.   

Award Details

• A prize of $1000 and a commemorative gift.
• Recipients will be recognized at the University of Iowa Faculty and Staff Awards Ceremony in May 2025.

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