The Distinguished Research Administrator Award is given annually to recognize staff members who performed exceptional service in support of research at the University of Iowa by exploring funding opportunities, assisting in grant proposal preparation, submission, post-award administration, and operational support. 

This award is co-sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) and VP for Finance and Operations.

Eligibility and Criteria

All current permanent non-contract Merit Supervisory Exempt/Confidential and Professional and Scientific staff, with a 50 percent or greater appointment, are eligible for nomination.  Self-nominations are not allowed. Deans, DEOs, department chairs/heads, supervisors, and other senior faculty or staff may serve as nominators. 

The following criteria will be used when selecting recipients for this award:

• Examples of outstanding contributions to research development (e.g., grant proposal preparation and submission, process improvements, facilitating synergistic collaborations, etc.)
• Distinguished work that stands out as a set of exceptionally effective contributions to research.
• Direct work experience with University of Iowa researchers that extends over several years (7 years or more).
• Outstanding contributions that go beyond the ordinary fulfillment of the individual’s position duties.

Nomination and Selection Process

Required Documentation:

• Letter of Nomination - Attach a brief description, no more than 750 words in length, describing the nominee’s qualifications and accomplishments. Give specific examples.
• Up to two confidential letters of support. Letters should be no more than one page in length and address the criteria listed above.  
• Nominee's CV/Resume/Work History (up to 2 pages).

Late materials will not be accepted. A selection committee comprised of leaders from within the Office of the Vice President for Research, Grant Accounting Office, Division of Sponsored Programs, and at least one representative from Staff Council will be appointed to evaluate nominations. 

Submission Process and Deadline

The deadline for submissions is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, February 12, 2024. Recipients will be announced in April.

CLICK HERE to begin the submission process.  Click "Apply" and sign-in with your Hawk ID and password through the blue "University of Iowa Login" button.  If you have problems or questions, contact Lauren Galliart (lauren-galliart@uiowa.edu) in the OVPR well ahead of the deadline.  

Award Details

• A prize of $1000 and a commemorative gift.
• Recipients will be recognized at a celebration on April 30, 2024.