Celebrating Outstanding Research Teams at Imperial

Outstanding research teams unite diverse expertise around bold questions, delivering innovative, high-quality research with real impact within and across disciplines. They build strong collaborations, achieve international recognition, and contribute to the success and reputation of the College as a whole.

This award recognises research teams whose collective achievements exemplify academic excellence, influence and ambition. It celebrates those who not only produce exceptional research, but who do so in ways that embody Imperial’s values; working collaboratively and fostering inclusivity and diversity.

Excellence in Research Environment

What we're looking for

Excellence as an Outstanding Research Team should be demonstrated through evidence of the following:

  • Outstanding Research and Impact: Delivering high‑quality research that achieves significant impact within and across disciplines.
  • International Standing: Demonstrating a strong international reputation and recognition in the team’s research field or theme.
  • Contribution to Imperial: Making a clear, beneficial contribution to Imperial’s research profile, culture, and strategic priorities.
  • Inclusive and Diverse Team Culture: Fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and all team members can thrive.
  • Consistent Role Modelling of College Values: Exemplifying the College’s values and behaviours in all aspects of the team’s work.

By recognising research teams who embody these qualities, this award seeks to celebrate collaborative excellence—where ambition, inclusion, and impactful research combine to advance knowledge within and beyond Imperial.

Who can nominate
  • Nominations can be made by staff from all areas of the College.
  • Self-nomination is permitted
Who is eligible to be nominated
  • Self-nomination is permitted for this award category
  • The team must comprise at least five staff members and be led by an ICL academic at lecturer grade or above (this academic lead contact is responsible for dissemination of team correspondence from the award organisers to other team members and, if successful, dissemination of team certificates
  • 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

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 nominated team deserves recognition through this award. Details of activities linked to the nomination criteria can be included in following fields. Please include the the team name.
Outstanding research Please provide evidence as to the academic excellence of the nominated team. This could include evidence of e.g. grant success, outstanding publication record, academic impact of research.
Impact Please provide examples of how the team's research has delivered impact within and across disciplines.
International standing Please provide evidence that the research team has an international reputation for outstanding research in the relevant research field/theme.
Beneficial effects Please illustrate how the team's work has had a beneficial effect on the College.
Fostering inclusivity Provide a statement on how the candidate has contributed to the fostering of an inclusive and diverse culture
External support Please include a statement of support from an independent third party external to Imperial. If you including this as an attachment please indicate that here.
How the nomination will be assessed

Award and Medal winners for each award category are conferred by selection panels overseen by the Vice-Provost (Research) in the summer term.

Each selection 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 below.

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.

1. Evidence of excellence Please score to what extent you believe the nomination has demonstrated evidence of outstanding research that delivers impact within and across disciplines
2. International standing Please score to what extent you believe the nomination has demonstrated evidence of the team's international reputation in the relevant field
3. Evidence of beneficial effects Please score to what extent you believe the nomination has demonstrated evidence of beneficial effect to the College
4. Fostering inclusivity Score based on the extent to which the nominee has contributed to an inclusive and diverse culture
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