Outstanding Doctoral Student Award

Outstanding Doctoral Student Award

Key dates
Announcement:	August 24, 2026
Submission due:	October 19, 2026

Purpose

The Purdue Institute for Cancer Research (PICR) Outstanding Doctoral Student Award annually recognizes an outstanding doctoral trainee within the PICR based on cancer research excellence. An annual award of $1000 will be presented to a trainee who has exhibited outstanding commitment, creativity, and excellence in cancer research, with a focus on making a meaningful impact on the field and has promise for a productive career in the field. The award will be presented to the trainee at the PICR spring awards ceremony.

Eligibility

The trainee must be or have been enrolled as a doctoral student under the direction of a faculty member in one of the programs of the Purdue University Institute for Cancer Research and graduated in August or December 2026, or will graduate in May, August or December 2027.

 Criteria

1. Only research completed by the trainee while a doctoral student at Purdue University will be given major consideration in evaluating evidence of excellence. Work completed elsewhere will be considered supportive of the trainee’s nomination.
2. Criteria of particular significance in evaluating nominations will include evidence of:

1. Research excellence: The recipient should demonstrate outstanding achievement in cancer research, displaying a deep understanding of the scientific principles and methodologies relevant to their work.
2. Initiative and engagement: Shows enthusiasm, leadership, and initiative through active participation in research, problem-solving, professional development, and scholarly activities.
3. Future promise in cancer research: Exhibits a strong commitment to pursuing a future in cancer research or a related field, with clear career goals and the potential to make lasting contributions to the scientific community.

Nomination procedure

1. Nominations should be submitted as a single PDF file here by October 19, 2026.
2. The Cancer Research Training and Education Committee will serve as the selection committee for the award.
3. Nominations shall include in the following order:
   1. A letter of nomination from the trainee’s faculty mentor/PICR member indicating justification of the nomination and describing the significance of the research efforts upon which the nomination is based; (limit 3 pages). Include any grant writing, leadership or other relevant activities.
   2. A personal statement from the trainee, which includes a summary of the trainee’s research project and its significance, motivations for pursuing cancer research including any personal experiences or aspirations, and showcase experiences where they demonstrated leadership or took initiative. Finally, they should discuss their professional goals and aspirations for the future. (limit 2 pages).
   3. The trainee’s CV, including professional activities, presentations, grant writing, awards, leadership and other activities.
   4. An unofficial Purdue transcript.

Recognition

The award recipient will be announced at the Annual PICR Awards Ceremony and will receive a $1000 monetary award and a plaque.