Graduate School

The Postdoctoral Excellence Awards (PEA) is granted to two exceptional postdoc scholars and fellows for their exceptional contributions to their research field, OSU and the greater postdoctoral community. The award includes a $1,000 cash award and a plaque of recognition given to the postdoc, typically on University Day.

The nomination deadline is Friday, March 29, 2024.

Submit nomination

Nominee Eligibility

Nominee must be a current postdoctoral scholar or fellow at OSU for at least one year, but not more than three years.

Nominee must display excellence in scientific research, innovation, leadership, outreach and service, which will be measured by (1) significance and innovation in the field of research, (2) leadership and advocacy in the professional society and postdoctoral community, (3) the impact of the outreach and service to professional organizations (including OSU’s Postdoctoral Association), and (4) efforts and outcomes in professional development.

Individuals may only receive this award once (please see previous recipients list).

Nomination Requirements

• Signed nomination letter from the nominee’s current mentor. Letter should reference nominee’s scientific contributions and accomplishments, leadership, efforts and outcomes of professional development and service. The following examples of evidence may be used to demonstrate each criterion:
  • Scholarship – peer reviewed publications, grant submission, technology development, and awards and honors received.
  • Leadership – leadership activities in the professional society and/or postdoctoral community that have had significant impact to OSU and/or professional society.
  • Outreach and service – significant committee service with professional organizations.
  • Professional development – evidence of efforts and outcomes in professional development, such as mentoring of graduate and/or undergraduate students, presentation in professional conferences, service to professional society, teaching experience and participation in professional development events.
• Optional letters from professional society(ies) describing the nominee’s leadership, outreach, service and impact.
• The letters of support shall not exceed two single-sided pages using at least a font size of 12 and 1" margins.
• Candidate’s current CV (not to exceed five pages including major accomplishments, leadership roles and activities, outreach and service, etc.).

All nomination materials are to be submitted, in the order indicated above, in one individual PDF document and uploaded to the nomination form. If you have questions, please contact Maureen Childers at 541-737-2033 or [email protected].

Nomination Review

Nominations will be reviewed by an award committee assembled by the Director of Postdoctoral Programs and awardee recommendations will be made to the Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School. Awards are typically presented at University Day.

Nominations that are not complete, do not adequately address eligibility, or do not respect the number of pages and/or are received after the deadline will be disregarded.

Committee recommendations will be made on the basis of the information submitted. The committee does not solicit additional information.