Do you know a Hawkeye who dares to do exceptional work in the laboratory, clinic, studio, onstage, or on the page? 

Monday, August 17, 2026

Sarah Guilfoyle in her cap and gown in front of her banner

Help the University of Iowa recognize the exceptional research, scholarship, and creative activities of outstanding students and postdocs from a range of disciplines for the 2027 “Dare To …” banner campaign. Forty will be selected to have their photo and a headline about their work featured on banners displayed in downtown Iowa City and highlighted in university communications.

Submit nominations using this form by Friday, Sept. 11. 

  • Anyone can submit one or more nominations.
  • Nominees must be current undergraduates, graduate students, or postdoctoral scholars at Iowa who are engaged in research, scholarship, or creative activities that seek to make a scholarly or artistic contribution to knowledge.
  • Nominations submitted by faculty or staff who have worked with the student will receive highest priority in the review process.
  • Nominations of students and postdoctoral researchers working in research, scholarship, or creative activity in the university’s three distinctive areas of collaboration of writing and communication, brain science and mental health, and cancer research and patient care, or that directly engage Iowa communities, are especially encouraged.

Selected researchers will be notified in late September. The banners will be displayed from January through May 2027.

For additional information, contact Casey Westlake, communications manager.

Submit your nominations now

Nominations close Friday, Sept. 11.

Nominee's rank
Nominee's college
What is your primary relationship to the nominee?
Will the nominee be on campus through spring 2027?
(For the U.S., provide city and state. If outside the U.S, please provide the country and city, if known)
This can include:publications, presentations, exhibitions, performances, creative works, patents, grants and fellowships, awards, professional recognition, independence, and other scholarly or creative achievements.
This can include: mentorship, leadership in research or project teams, leadership in professional organizations, community engagement, public outreach, volunteer service relevant to research, scholarship, or creative activities, etc.
How does this work engage and impact communities beyond the university?
Disclosure