Dean for Research Award for Distinguished Innovation

This award recognizes an innovation led by a Princeton faculty member and their research team whose scholarly activity and creative thinking is in the service of humanity.

Call for nominations

Recognizing the importance of innovation to the overall research and teaching mission of the University, this award will recognize an innovation led by a Princeton faculty member and their research team whose scholarly activity and creative thinking has moved beyond the confines of campus to be in the service of humanity. The establishment of this award is consistent with the University’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and to raise the visibility of Princeton’s innovations. The award, open to all faculty across all disciplines of research, will be presented during the Celebrate Princeton Innovation 2023 event, in October.


Eligibility for the Innovation Award

The innovation must be led by a tenure-track or tenured faculty member at Princeton University. 


Selection criteria for the Innovation Award

Lineage of innovation to scholarly research conducted at Princeton University

Creativity of the innovation in addressing a critical challenge or opportunity of importance to society

Potential or demonstrated impact of the innovation beyond the campus


Nomination process

The nomination process will consist of a nomination form, nomination letter, and a statement (no more than 3-pages) outlining the innovation and why it meets the criteria for the award and merits recognition.

The award recognizes an innovation. Therefore, all contributors (including the lead faculty member) should be included in the nomination form.


Nomination deadline

Nominations are due by midnight on July 31, 2023. Self-nominations are welcomed.


Nominations

Fill out the nomination form and upload your three-page statement. (University log-in required.)


Selection process

A selection committee comprising external innovators and entrepreneurs will recommend the awardee to the Dean for Research. The Vice Dean for Innovation will serve as a non-voting member of the committee.


Award notification

September 4, 2023


Presentation of award

The presentation of the award will occur at a special awards ceremony during Celebrate Princeton Innovation, in October.


Award details

The awardee(s) will receive a plaque and an honorarium.


Sponsors

Office of the Dean for Research

Vice Dean for Innovation


Contact 

Michael Hodges
Associate Director
Corporate Engagement & Foundation Relations
[email protected]