Celebrating Outstanding Early Career Researchers at Imperial

At Imperial, nurturing the next generation of research leaders is vital to our mission. Outstanding early career researchers combine academic excellence with curiosity, independence and a commitment to advancing knowledge in ways that benefit society. They push the boundaries of their fields, secure competitive funding, build collaborations, and share their findings widely, whilst  also contributing to a supportive and inclusive research community.

This award recognises early career researchers within the first ten years (FTE) of their postdoctoral activity (counting from Viva date) whose achievements already demonstrate exceptional promise and influence. It celebrates those who lead innovative research, implement good practice, inspire and support others, and consistently role model Imperial’s values and behaviours in everything they do.

 At the discretion of the selection panel, awards will be conferred between subcategories of 0-5 years post-viva and 5-10 years post-viva. Nominators should clearly state to which subcategory their nominee belongs

Excellence in Research Environment

What we're looking for

Excellence as an Outstanding Early Career Researcher should be demonstrated through evidence of the following:

  • Academic Excellence and Independence: Delivering high‑quality, influential research with clear academic impact, including significant publications, grants, and recognition.
  • Innovation and Good Practice: Implementing creative, rigorous, and responsible approaches that enhance research quality and practice.
  • Leadership and Influence: Inspiring, guiding, and positively influencing others through research direction, collaboration, supervision, or community engagement.
  • Inclusive and Diverse Research Culture: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and everyone can contribute and succeed.
  • Consistent Role Modelling of College Values: Exemplifying the College’s values and behaviours in all activities, on a day‑to‑day and sustained basis.

By recognising early career researchers who embody these qualities, this award celebrates academic excellence, leadership, and a positive, inclusive research culture across the College.

Who can nominate
  • Nominations can be made by staff from all areas of the College
  • Self-nomination is not permitted
Who is eligible to be nominated
  • Imperial research staff member (for at least one year); holder of a PhD or MDRes, within the first 10 years (FTE) of their postdoctoral research activity (counted from viva date)
  • Previous winners may not be re-nominated for the same category of award until at least three years have passed since their previous success (i.e. winners of 2022, 2023 and 2024 cannot be re-nominated for the same award in 2025). Find the full list of previous winners on the previous award winners webpage.
How to nominate

A single nomination form should be completed for each nominee. It is strongly recommended to notify the nominee of the intention to propose them for this award

To make a nomination please use the new online nomination system. 

Please view the ‌User nomination guide to help you access the system and enter your nomination(s). Specific guidance for each award category can be found below.

If you have any issues please  contact Mr Alex Headley.

 

Nomination questions
Nomination overview Please summarise why you believe your nominee deserves recognition through this award. Details of specific activities related to the nomination criteria can be included in following fields.
Viva date/lectureship start date Please provide the date of the nominee's PhD viva (DD/MM/YY).
Academic excellence: academic impact Please provide evidence that the nominee has developed into an independent researcher, with their work contributing to academic advances within and/or across disciplines.
Academic excellence: key publications and grants Please provide evidence of: 1) the nominee's publication record as first author 2) notable grants
Academic excellence: other Please include any other measures of academic excellence, e.g. other impact, accolades, participation in key meetings
Innovation and good practice Please provide evidence of the nominee's ability to demonstrate innovative approaches and good practice in their research
Leadership and influencing others Please provide evidence of how the nominee has demonstrated an ability to lead and influence others. You may wish to include evidence of student supervision, mentoring, collaborations, team leadership. If there are mechanisms for e.g. student feedback please include content from these as an attachment.
Fostering inclusivity Provide a statement on how the candidate has contributed to the fostering of an inclusive and diverse culture
Statement of support Please include a statement of support from an individual not involved in the nominee's direct line of management. This could be a previous supervisor or a collaborator. If you are going to include this as an attachment, please indicate that here.

There is a 4000 character (approx 300 word) limit for each free text section

How the nomination will be assessed

Each panel member is asked to score every nominee in the award category (with the exception of those with which there is a conflict of interest) and provide a score for each of the criteria presented above and the statements of support. The scores are assigned only on the strength of the evidence presented in the application form in demonstrating that the nominee meets each of the award criteria. The panel are also asked to consider what makes the nominee stand out and what the impact has been of their actions/research. The statements of support can influence this consideration.

Each nomination will be scored on:

  • Academic excellence
  • Innovation and good practice
  • Leadership and influencing others
  • Fostering inclusivity
  • Supporting statement

The panel are also asked to consider what makes the nominee stand out and what the impact has been of their actions/research. The statement of support can influence this consideration

Tips for making a great nomination
  • Ensure a good case is presented for submission, as the selection panel will only draw on the evidence presented within the nomination.
  • The submission should be written for a non-expert audience and specific examples given where appropriate
  • Nominations without evidence for the relevant criteria will not be taken into consideration
  • Without detailed examples of their work, the selection panel can’t review how the nominee has gone above and beyond their normal remit
  • Showcase the real and tangible improvements and outcomes of the nominees’ work. What has changed as a result of their involvement/initiative?
  • Detail positive attitudes and behaviours they have exhibited that is in line with our College Values
How to Nominate