Up to two Student Innovator Awards will be given each year, to honor undergraduate and/or graduate students conducting research/scholarly innovation or new technology development that is recognized as highly original work and has led to intellectual property. 

This award process is conducted annually in partnership with the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR), Research Council, University of Iowa Research Foundation, and the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC).

Eligibility and Criteria

Eligible students (undergraduate or graduate) shall have completed a minimum of two years of academic work in the current program of study and are enrolled in spring 2019 courses. Self-nominations are not allowed. Deans, DEOs, department chairs/heads, supervisors, and other senior faculty or staff may serve as nominators. 

Competitive nominees will address impact in more than one of the criteria listed below:

  • An innovative research, scholarly idea or new technology concept that has led to intellectual property.
  • Quality of research, scholarly, or technological innovation.
  • Quality of a presentation to the selection committee. The top candidates are required to give a presentation of their research/scholarly innovation or the technology they’ve developed to the selection committee. 

Nomination and Selection Process

Required Documentation:

  • Letter of Nomination – NO MORE THAN 750 words in length, describing the nominee’s qualifications and accomplishments.
  • A statement from the nominee – NO MORE THAN 750 words in length, describing their qualifications and accomplishments including a specific section on their intellectual property. 
  • One confidential letter of endorsement.  The letter of endorsement is limited to one page in length and should address the criteria listed above.
  • CV or Resume (maximum 10 pages).

A selection committee comprised of leaders from the Office of Research and Economic Development, the Research Council, the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, and UI faculty will be appointed to evaluate nominations.  

Submission Process and Deadline

The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Recipients will be announced in April.  

To begin the submission process, (link to come). 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 Cheryl Ridgeway (cheryl-a-ridgeway@uiowa.edu / 319-384-3332) in the OVPR well ahead of the deadline.  

Award Detail

Each recipient will receive:

  • A prize of $1,000 and commemorative gift.
  • Formal recognition at the Celebrating Excellence: The University of Iowa Discovery & Innovation Awards Ceremony, which highlights research and innovation achievements.
  • All recipients will be recognized on our Dare to Discover - Research Awards & Recognition page to highlight their accomplishments.