The MSU Office of Postdoctoral Affairs acknowledges the exceptional contribution of postdocs to the MSU community by offering a variety of awards to support postdoc travel and recognize postdoc excellence.
Travel Award
TRAVEL AWARDS
Current cycle for funding applications runs until June 29.
- Five travel awards of up to $500 each will be awarded twice a year to reimburse/cover costs.
- Winter/Spring Award for conferences taking place between January 1st and June 30th.
- Summer/Fall Award for conferences taking place between July 1st and December 31st.
- Awards are granted to offset the costs associated with travel to meetings/scientific conferences, and cannot be used for invited talks at universities or non-conference events.
ELIGIBILITY
All current postdoctoral research associates and fellows at Michigan State University are eligible to apply except for:
- Individuals that have already received an MSU-PDA travel award during their time at MSU
- Individuals attending meetings/scientific conferences held at Michigan State University
- Individuals who are presenting work from their graduate program or previous position
*Recipients of a Travel Award may be asked to serve as reviewers for the next round of Travel Award applications.*
RUBRIC FOR EVALUATION
Postdoctoral Excellence in Research Award
POSTDOCTORAL EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH AWARD (PERA)
The MSU Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation award annually the Postdoctoral Excellence in Research Award (PERA) to two exceptional Postdoctoral Researchers for their contributions to MSU and the greater research community.
The top two applicants will each receive a $1,000 cash award and a certificate provided by the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation and the MSU Office of Postdoctoral Affairs to recognize their achievement.
The call for applications is typically announced in January, and recipients accept their award and give a brief (10 min) presentation of their work during a reception in May.
ELIGIBILITY
The applicant:
1) Currently works at MSU as a postdoc (e.g., Research Associate, Postdoctoral Fellow).
2) Has been employed at MSU as a postdoc for at least one year, but not more than 5 years.
3) Has displayed excellence in scientific research, which will be measured by (1) the significance/impact of their research to their field of study, and (2) innovation of their research.
Read about past recipients here.
APPLICATION FORM
To apply, please navigate to the application portal and be ready to provide the following information and materials:
- A short summary that highlights publications or presentations from your work at MSU
- A short description of the impact of awards, honors, etc. awarded to you at MSU
- A short description of other activities that highlight your contributions at MSU
- Personal statement on the significance (impact) and innovation of your research
- Your CV
- Optional: a figure from your research
- A recommendation letter from your faculty supervisor (PI)
Postdoctoral Excellence in Teaching and/or Mentoring Award
POSTDOCTORAL EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AND/OR MENTORING AWARD (PETMA)
The MSU Office of Postdoctoral Affairs annually awards the Postdoctoral Excellence in Teaching and/or Mentoring Award (PETMA) to two exceptional Postdoctoral Scholars for their contribution in promoting the success and development of undergraduate and/or graduate students at MSU.
The top two applicants will each receive a $500 cash award and a certificate provided by the MSU Office of Postdoctoral Affairs to recognize their achievement.
The call for applications is typically announced in January, and recipients accept their award during a reception in May.
ELIGIBILITY
The applicant:
1) Currently works at MSU as a postdoc (e.g., Research Associate, Postdoctoral Fellow).
2) Has displayed excellence in, and exceptional commitment to, teaching and/or mentoring in classroom or research setting during their postdoc position at MSU. The review committee is looking for applicants/nominees who go above and beyond their duties as classroom instructors and/or research supervisors.
Read about past recipients here.
APPLICATION FORM
To apply, please navigate to the application portal and be ready to provide the following information and materials:
- Personal statement that emphasizes your commitment to educational experiences and the impact of your teaching and/or mentoring efforts
- A 1 page resume highlighting your experience in teaching and/or mentoring
- Up to three letters of support from colleagues, trainees, etc.
Rubrics for evaluation of the awards can be found here:
