Recognizing exceptional mentorship that contributes to the development, success, and growth of others and strengthens a supportive Department culture.
Nomination Deadline: October 15, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. CT
Purpose
The Outstanding Mentorship Award recognizes a Department of Neuroscience member who has made an exceptional contribution to the development and success of others through mentorship and, in doing so, contributes to a positive and supportive departmental culture.
Eligibility
Open to Department of Neuroscience members who serve as mentors, including faculty, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, research staff, and administrative staff, and 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:
- Impact on Development — Demonstrating meaningful impact on the professional, scientific, academic, or career development of mentees.
- Availability and Investment — Providing consistent guidance, support, feedback, and time to mentees.
- Individualized Approach — Adapting mentorship to the individual needs, goals, circumstances, and career aspirations of mentees.
- Sponsorship and Advocacy — Creating opportunities, advocating for mentees, and helping them build networks and advance professionally.
- Mentoring Beyond Formal Obligation — Demonstrating a commitment to mentorship that extends beyond basic supervisory or job responsibilities.
Nomination Requirements
A complete nomination includes:
- Completed nomination form
- Nomination statement of no more than 500 words describing the mentoring relationship and its impact, with concrete examples
- At least one supporting letter from a current or former mentee
- Supporting letter(s) may include a brief list of mentees and their previous and current positions, as appropriate
- 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 Outstanding Mentorship Award.