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Schulich Awards of Excellence - Research Awards for Faculty
Nominations for the 2026 Awards of Excellence will open in December
The Schulich Awards of Excellence are designed to recognize and honour outstanding Schulich faculty members who have documented evidence of exceptional performance in research, innovation and impact. These awards are competitive and prestigious and should serve to provide award winners with a platform to go forward for other university, provincial, national, or international awards.
Eligibility:
- Nominees must hold an active faculty appointment at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry the year they are nominated for the award. Further details on specific eligibility may be found under each award category
- Award winners may only be renominated in the same category five years from the year they received their award
- All learners, faculty and staff in the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry may nominate an individual
- The nominee must be aware of the nomination and the nominee’s Department Chair, Chair/Chief, or designate must be notified of the nomination
- Unsuccessful nominees who remain eligible are encouraged to apply the following year, and the nominator does not need to acquire updated letters of support unless they feel it will significantly enhance the nomination.
The Awards:
- Awards are given in four categories but to maintain the prestigious nature of all award areas, the number of awards offered each year may vary depending on the breadth and depth of excellent nominations received in each category
- Award winners will receive a cash prize ranging from $2,000-$10,000 that can be used at the discretion of the recipient
- Recipients will also receive two complimentary tickets to attend the Awards of Excellence Dinner, one for themselves and one for a guest
- Awards are presented at an Awards of Excellence Celebration Dinner to be held in the spring of each year
Award Description
The Schulich Distinguished Researcher Award recognizes and honours a senior faculty member who has had an exceptional career in research, leadership, and service. As one of Schulich’s most prestigious awards, this award celebrates individuals whose contributions have significantly advanced their field of study, inspired colleagues and trainees, and enriched the research community and beyond with their impact.
Nominees must have achieved the rank of Full Professor and have been a member of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry for a minimum of 10 years. Active emeritus faculty are also eligible for nomination.
Criteria
While nominations should focus on the nominee’s primary areas of strength, the adjudication committee will consider the following criteria:
- Research Excellence:
- Lifetime h index and citation metrics
- A distinguished publication record in high-impact journals
- Evidence of research impact, including translation to the clinic
- Documented innovations, patents, and intellectual property
- Leadership and Service:
- Appointment and/or leadership roles on policy-establishing committees
- Service on grant review panels, national research institutes, or similar bodies
- Editorial roles for respected academic journals
- Appointment and effectiveness in leadership roles within research or academic settings
- Recognition and Honours:
- Invitations as a keynote speaker or presenter at major conferences
- Receipt of honours, awards, inductions, and prizes recognizing research contributions
- Community and Mentorship:
- Dedicated service to the Schulich and Western research communities
- Evidence of successful mentorship and support for trainees
Nomination Procedure
To nominate a faculty member for this award, submit a nomination package online which includes the following:
- Online nomination form (link below)
- Nominating letter highlighting the nominee’s excellence and research impact signed by the nominator
- Up to three supporting letters from peers summarizing the nominee’s excellence and impact
- Up to two supporting letters from trainees
- Current CV (10-page maximum highlighting accomplishments relevant to this award)
One award valued at $10,000 will be awarded to be used at the discretion of the winner.
Questions
Contact the Schulich Research Office at research@schulich.uwo.ca or by phone at 519 -661-2111 x87908. Alternatively, contact the Dean’s office at schulichdean@uwo.ca.
Award Description
The Researcher of the Year award recognizes and celebrates a faculty member who has demonstrated an exceptional record of achievement in research over the previous calendar year. This award highlights significant contributions that have advanced their field, attracted recognition from peers and brought distinction to the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry.
Criteria
While nominations should focus on the nominee’s primary areas of strength, the adjudication committee will assess the following:
- Research Funding: Success in securing competitive external research funding
- Publications: Authoring high-impact research publications
- Grant Leadership: Leading or co-leading a successful major grant
- Innovation: Development of patents or other intellectual property
- Honours and Recognition: Receipt of prestigious honours, prizes, or awards for research contributions
- Professional Contributions: Invitations to deliver talks or presentations at prestigious conferences or events
- Appointments: Appointments to high-level committees and panels at the local, national, and international level
Nomination Procedure
To nominate a faculty member for this award, submit a nomination package online which includes the following:
- Online nomination form (link below)
- A nominating letter highlighting the nominee’s excellence and impact during the year under consideration signed by the nominator
- Up to three supporting letters summarizing the accomplishments and impact of the nominee’s achievement over the year under consideration
- Current CV (10-page maximum highlighting accomplishments relevant to this award)
Award Value
One award valued at $5,000 will be awarded to be used at the discretion of the winner.
Questions
Contact the Schulich Research Office at research@schulich.uwo.ca or by phone at 519 -661-2111 x87908. Alternatively, contact the Dean’s office at schulichdean@uwo.ca.
Award Description
The Early Career Award recognizes outstanding research and innovation by faculty members who are within six years of their initial appointment as an independent faculty member. This award recognizes exceptional achievements in research, creativity and contributions to the research mission of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry.
Appropriate adjustments to eligibility will be made for faculty members who have taken leave (e.g., parental or medical leave). A maximum of two awards may be given annually, with one each for a clinical researcher and a basic scientist.
Criteria
While nominations should focus on the nominee’s primary areas of strength, the adjudication committee will assess the nominees based on the following:
- Innovation and Impact: Evidence of research innovations and their impact
- Funding: Consistent track record of securing competitive external and/or internal research funding
- Publications: Record of peer-reviewed publications and other evidence of knowledge translation
- Mentorship: Successful training and mentorship of high-quality personnel, reflecting principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization (EDI-D)
- Leadership: Documented evidence of leadership on committees that enhance the research mission of the School
- Engagement: Participation as a reviewer, chair, or scientific officer on major grants panels
- Recognition: Invites to present at national and international conferences, as well as receipt of honours, prizes, and awards
Nomination Procedure
To nominate a faculty member for this award, submit a nomination package online which includes the following:
- Online nomination form (link below)
- Nominating letter highlighting the nominee’s excellence and research impact signed by the nominator
- Up to three supporting letters from peers summarizing the nominee’s excellence and impact
- Up to two supporting letters from trainees
- Current CV (10-page maximum highlighting accomplishments relevant to this award)
Award Value
Two awards valued at $2,000 each will be awarded to be used at the discretion of the winners.
Questions
Contact the Schulich Research Office at research@schulich.uwo.ca or by phone at 519 -661-2111 x87908. Alternatively, contact the Dean’s office at schulichdean@uwo.ca.
Award Description
The Mid-Career Investigator Award honours exceptional research and innovation by faculty members who have completed six years but not exceeded 15 years as an independent faculty member. This award recognizes significant contributions to advancing their field, leadership in research, and commitment to mentoring and community engagement during the mid-career stage.
Appropriate adjustments to eligibility will be made for faculty members who have taken leave (e.g., parental or medical leave). A maximum of two awards may be given annually, with one each for a clinical researcher and a basic scientist.
Criteria
While nominations should focus on the nominee’s primary areas of strength, the adjudication committee will assess the nominees based on the following:
- Innovation and Impact: Demonstrated research innovations with measurable impact on the field
- Funding: Consistent and sustained record of securing competitive external and/or internal research funding
- Publications: Extensive record of peer-reviewed publications and other evidence of knowledge translation
- Mentorship: Ongoing mentorship of high-quality personnel, reflecting principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization (EDI-D)
- Leadership: Significant contributions to the research mission of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, including leadership roles
- Engagement: Active participation as a reviewer, chair, or scientific officer on major grant panel
- Recognition: Invitations to deliver keynote addresses or present at prestigious national and international conferences, and receipt of honors, prizes, or awards
Nomination Procedure
To nominate a faculty member for this award, submit a nomination package online which includes the following:
- Online nomination form (link below)
- Nominating letter highlighting the nominee’s excellence and research impact signed by the nominator
- Up to three supporting letters from peers summarizing the nominee’s excellence and impact
- Up to two supporting letters from trainees
- Current CV (10-page maximum highlighting accomplishments relevant to this award)
Award Value
Two awards valued at $2,000 each will be awarded to be used at the discretion of the winners.
Questions
Contact the Schulich Research Office at research@schulich.uwo.ca or by phone at 519 -661-2111 x87908. Alternatively, contact the Dean’s office at schulichdean@uwo.ca.