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The University of Minnesota (UMN) is proud to train, support and promote its postdocs, who are active members of the University's Twin Cities and Duluth communities. To recognize the postdocs’ valuable contribution to the University’s mission, each year we offer five awards for outstanding contributions in terms of:
Service to our Academic Community. Many initiatives to help the postdoctoral community are led by postdoctoral researcher volunteers. Their actions can strengthen the career skills and mental wellbeing of their postdoc community. We seek nominations of UMN postdocs who have helped support and develop the postdoc community at the department, college, and/or university level. The actions of nominees could have benefitted the postdoctoral community in different ways, including (but not limited to) career development, supporting postdoc mental wellness and building a sense of community.
Outreach and Communication with Non-academic Community. Community engagement through research, teaching, and/or public service is a vital part of the University mission. Engaging in outreach and communication requires time and dedication beyond the typical expectations of postdocs. We seek nominations for UMN postdocs who have enhanced the broader community through outreach or public service. The actions of nominees could contribute to outreach and community engagement in different ways, including (but not limited to) via social media, science writing and working with local schools.
Impactful Research. Impactful research can be ground breaking with unlimited potential for future research. We seek nominations for UMN postdocs conducting research or developing techniques that will make a significant difference to others beyond their immediate field of expertise.
Teaching and Mentoring. Exceptional teaching and mentoring greatly strengthens the careers of the next generation and enriches our community. We seek nominations for UMN postdocs with evidence of strong commitment to training and educating others from diverse backgrounds. The actions of nominees could contribute to teaching and mentoring in different ways, including (but not limited to) individual student mentoring and teaching in college classrooms.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in our Academic Community. The UMN recognizes that embracing equity and diversity enriches campus life and the academic experience. We seek nominations for UMN postdocs who have demonstrated commitment to advance diversity, equity and inclusion on campus.
Each award winner will receive $250. Award winners will be announced on National Postdoctoral Appreciation Week (2nd week of September). The PDA thanks the Office of Postdoctoral Initiatives for their gracious financial contributions for this award program.
Look for the solicitation for nominations at the beginning of August. Postdoctoral associates (9546) and fellows (9560) can be nominated for one or more of the above categories. Nominations can be made by any member of the UMN community and must include:
Nomination letter can be a self nomination or from a colleague or faculty mentor of the nominee. This letter should be 1-2 pages in length, and provide evidence that the postdoc has met the criteria for one of the above categories.
Copy of the postdoctoral researchers' up-to-date CV.
Please reach out to us at pda@umn.edu if you have any questions throughout the process. We are thrilled to be providing our another opportunity to recognize some of the stellar postdocs at this institution!
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