The Office of the Vice President for Research invites nominations for the 2026 Discovery and Innovation Awards. The awards honor individuals from a wide range of disciplines who have:
- achieved national recognition for research and scholarship;
- disseminated research to broad public audiences;
- advanced research safety;
- administered and coordinated complex research programs; and
- mentored the next generation of researchers, scholars, and artists.
“These awards honor our talented researchers, scholars, and artists who conduct world-class work that improves the human condition in Iowa, the nation, and across the world,” said David Schwebel, vice president for research. “We want to recognize faculty, staff, and students who producing cutting-edge, high-impact research and creative work.”
Nominations are due Jan. 12, 2026, and can be submitted here.
Awards are available in the following categories:
Faculty Awards
- Scholar of the Year
- Early Career Scholar of the Year
- Leadership in Research
- Distinguished Achievement in Publicly Engaged Research
- Distinguished Achievement in Arts and Humanities Research
- Faculty Communicating Ideas Award
- OUR Distinguished Mentor Award Research
Staff Awards
- Distinguished Research Administrator Award
- Distinguished Research Professional Award
Safety Awards
- Innovation in Safety Award
- Innovation in Safety Award (Student)
Postdoctoral Award
- Postdoctoral Research Scholar/Fellow Excellence Award
Student Awards
- Excellence in Undergraduate Research Awards
- Graduate Research Excellence Awards
Student and postdoctoral winners will be recognized at the Celebration of Student and Postdoctoral Researchers in the spring. The winners of the faculty and staff awards will be recognized at the University of Iowa Faculty and Staff Awards Ceremony on May 5, 2026.
The Office of the Vice President for Research, the Office of Finance and Operations, the Graduate College, and the Office of Undergraduate Research sponsor the awards. Questions can be directed to vpr-office@uiowa.edu.