Outstanding Postdoctoral Fellow Award

Outstanding Postdoctoral Fellow Award

Purpose

The Purdue Institute for Cancer Research (PICR) Outstanding Cancer Research – Postdoctoral Fellow Award was developed to annually recognize an outstanding Postdoctoral trainee within the Institute 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.

Criteria

1. Only research completed by the trainee while a postdoctoral fellow 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. Innovation and originality: The award will be granted to a trainee who exhibits imagination, originality, and intellectual curiosity as demonstrated by identification, design, and conduct of the trainee’s research problem.
   3. Potential for future impact: The recipient’s work should show promise for future contributions to cancer research, indicating the potential to make a lasting impact on the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.

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.
3. Nominations shall include in the following order:
   1. A letter of nomination from the trainee’s PI indicating justification of the nomination and a statement setting forth the significance of the efforts upon which the nomination is based; (limit 2 pages).
   2. A personal statement from the trainee, which includes a summary of the trainee’s research project and its significance, potential future impact of their research, and their professional goals and aspirations for the future. (limit 2 pages).
   3. The trainee’s CV, including a summary of professional activities, publications presentations, grant writing, awards, and any leadership activities.

Recognition

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