Awards of Excellence for Postdocs

One recipient of the Award for Excellence in Leadership and one recipient of the Award for Excellence in Mentorship will receive $1,500 each (two awards in all). Selections are made by a subcommittee formed by the Academic Senate Graduate Council.

Both awards are open to the following:

• Current appointment as a UCSB postdoctoral scholar

• Good standing in terms of employment 

• Active engagement in research or mentoring at UCSB

Nominees must be registered during the award period (spring quarter) of the year they are nominated.

Nominating Procedures for the Award of Excellence in Mentorship are the following:

Nominees are evaluated on the overall impact of their mentoring efforts rather than the total number of students they have supervised. Because of the diverse nature of mentoring in different research contexts, slightly different criteria are used to evaluate candidates for this award.

Each nomination packet must include:

1. A personal statement (maximum length: two pages) from the nominee describing their mentoring philosophy, specific mentoring activities, and the impact of their mentorship on mentees’ personal and professional development
2. A current CV highlighting relevant mentorship roles or activities
3. A letter from a PI, faculty member, or career researcher highlighting the nominee’s broader contributions to a culture of mentorship within the institution or field
4. A letter from a current or former mentee detailing the nominee's mentoring qualities, examples of support provided, and the impact on their growth or career

Nominating Procedures for the Award of Excellence in Leadership are the following:

• A personal statement (maximum length: two pages) from the nominee describing the nominee’s leadership philosophy, significant leadership roles or initiatives they have undertaken, and the impact of their leadership on their institution, team, or field
• A current CV highlighting leadership roles, including committee memberships, project management, organizational service, or community engagement efforts
• A letter from a PI or supervisor that focuses on the nominee’s leadership growth, contributions to their lab or department, and broader impact
• A letter from a colleague or team member highlighting the nominee’s leadership qualities, ability to inspire and support others, and specific examples of successful leadership initiatives

These documents should be compiled and uploaded as a single PDF.

The Award for Excellence in Mentoring by a Postdoctoral Scholar recognizes exceptional dedication to mentoring undergraduate and graduate students at UC Santa Barbara. This award honors a postdoctoral scholar who has made a significant impact on the academic and professional development of students through their guidance, support, and encouragement.

The recipient of this award demonstrates:

• A commitment to fostering students’ growth, both academically and personally
• Providing insightful feedback, constructive advice, and personalized support to students at different stages of their educational journey
• Creating an inclusive, nurturing environment that empowers students to reach their full potential
• Helping students develop essential research skills, critical thinking, and professional competencies
• Serving as a role model for integrity, perseverance, and a passion for learning
• Promoting a collaborative and respectful research culture that enhances the student experience

This award recognizes a postdoctoral scholar who has gone above and beyond in their mentoring role, leaving a lasting, positive influence on the lives and careers of the students they have guided.

The Award for Excellence in Leadership by a Postdoctoral Scholar recognizes outstanding leadership within research, demonstrating exceptional initiative, mentorship, and collaboration. This award celebrates a postdoctoral scholar who has made significant contributions to advancing the goals of their research group while fostering a supportive, inclusive, and innovative environment for their colleagues.

The recipient of this award exemplifies qualities such as, but not limited to:

• Leading new efforts or starting new research directions that enhance the productivity and impact of the research setting
• Inspiring and guiding team members through complex research challenges
• Promoting an inclusive and respectful work environment that encourages diverse perspectives
• Providing outstanding guidance and professional development support for junior researchers

This award honors a postdoctoral scholar who has gone above and beyond in their leadership role, positively influencing both the research and professional growth of their peers. Recipients are acknowledged as emerging leaders in their fields, setting a high standard for future scientific endeavors.