New Groundbreaking Graduate Students Award

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Announcing the new Groundbreaking Graduate Students Award!

The Groundbreaking Graduate Student Award is a new award recognizing UMass Amherst master’s or doctoral students who demonstrate exceptional academic quality and leadership in their research, scholarship, or creative activities. This program is co-supported by University Relations, Research & Engagement, and the Graduate School.

Who is eligible for the award? 
Current UMass Amherst master’s or doctoral students who have demonstrated excellence in their research, scholarship, or creative activity.

How do students apply?
The nomination period will open October 15, 2025. Once nominations open, graduate students may nominate themselves by submitting documentation of their accomplishments. Their nomination must be supported by the nominee’s advisor or a faculty member familiar with their work. More information and nomination forms can be found online. The deadline to submit all materials is noon on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

What are the selection criteria?
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; or 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.

Questions? Contact lrubenstein [at] umass [dot] edu (subject: ) (Lauren Rubenstein).