>Explore UMass Amherst Student Research Awards

The nomination period for the UMass Amherst Groundbreaking Graduate Student award program is now closed.

Overview

The Groundbreaking Graduate Student award recognizes UMass Amherst master's or doctoral students who demonstrate exceptional academic quality and leadership in their research, scholarship, or creative activities. This program is supported by University Relations, the Office of Research and Engagement, and the Graduate School.

Who is eligible for the award?

Nominees are current UMass Amherst master’s or doctoral students who have demonstrated excellence in their research, scholarship, or creative activity. Notable accomplishments may include:

• securing external grants, honors, or awards
• receiving recognition for innovative projects, contributions to their field, compositions, performances, or productions (or similar scholarly products)
• publishing impactful research in peer-reviewed journals, books, or community-based projects
• taking a leadership role in community outreach efforts related to their research

We aim to highlight a diverse range of accomplishments of UMass Amherst’s graduate student body.

Who can submit a nomination?

To be considered for the Groundbreaking Graduate Student award, a graduate student must submit documentation of their accomplishments. Their nomination must be supported by the nominee’s advisor or a faculty member familiar with their work.

Nomination and Selection Process 

A call for nominations will be issued once a year during the fall semester. Faculty members are encouraged to nominate eligible students whom they advise/mentor. It is particularly helpful for the nominator to provide the context for the research, scholarly, or creative accomplishments that form the basis for the nomination. Nominations submitted by faculty members or administrators other than the student’s advisor are also permitted; however, they must include adequate information about the nominee’s research, scholarly, or creative accomplishments on which the selection committee can base their decision.

Recognition

Winners will be featured across multiple media channels, including the UMass website. They will also be publicly recognized at the Celebration of Graduate Excellence event in May and will receive a trophy.

Questions? Contact Lauren Rubenstein.