Recognizing meaningful contributions to outreach, science communication, public engagement, and community partnerships that advance the Department’s mission of community impact.
Nomination Deadline: October 15, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. CT
Purpose
The Outreach Award recognizes a Department of Neuroscience member whose efforts extend the Department’s science, expertise, or values beyond its walls and advance our commitment to community impact. This may include outreach at the School or University level or engagement with local, national, or global communities.
Eligibility
Open to all Department of Neuroscience members who meet the general eligibility requirements for the Recognition Awards program.
Unless otherwise specified for an individual award:
- Nominees must be current Department of Neuroscience faculty, research or administrative staff, postdoctoral fellows, or graduate students at the time of nomination and award conferral.
- Nominees must have been affiliated with the Department for at least one full fiscal year at the time of nomination.
- Contributions being recognized must have occurred during the nominee’s affiliation with the Department.
- Current voting members of the Social & Recognition Committee are not eligible for nomination during their term of service.
- Individuals may not receive the same award more than once within a three-year period but remain eligible for other award categories.
Criteria
Nominees are evaluated on contributions during the past fiscal year in the following areas:
- Initiative — Initiating, leading, or substantially contributing to outreach, science communication, or public engagement.
- Bridging — Building connections between the Department and underserved or underrepresented communities, patient or advocacy groups, or community organizations.
- Visibility — Enhancing the visibility and reputation of the Department through sustained, high-quality engagement.
- Impact — Demonstrating meaningful impact through audiences reached, programs established, partnerships formed, students mentored through pipeline programs, or similar outcomes.
- Commitment — Undertaking these activities beyond the individual’s formal job responsibilities.
Nomination Requirements
A complete nomination includes:
- Completed nomination form
- Nomination statement of no more than 500 words describing the nominee’s activities and their impact
- Optional: One supporting letter from a community partner or mentor
- Self-nominations are not accepted.
- Nominations must be submitted by a current Department of Neuroscience member.
- Nominees will not be informed that they have been nominated.
- Late or incomplete nominations will not be reviewed.
Submit a Nomination
Complete the form below to nominate a Department of Neuroscience member for the Outreach Award.