Nominations are opened in spring/summer annually for Postdoc Achievement Awards at Cornell University. These awards are presented during National Postdoc Appreciation Week in September.

To nominate a postdoc, please complete the online nomination form by the August deadline. In case of multiple nominators/letters of support, please submit as one combined nomination.

The Postdoc Achievement Awards honor and showcase postdocs who have made outstanding contributions to community or organizational change and show a commitment to promoting equity and inclusion at Cornell and/or throughout society as a whole. Every year, at least one of each of the following awards will be granted to deserving postdocs.

Achievement Award for Excellence in Leadership

This award recognizes postdocs who demonstrate innovative, initiative-driven leadership impacting their academic, work, or community environments. Those who receive this award have shown a commitment to developing academic and civic responsibility in themselves and others with an emphasis on equity and inclusion.

Achievement Award for Excellence in Community Engagement

This award recognizes postdocs who have fostered postdoc communities and involvement on campus or participated in outreach projects that connect Cornell with public needs. Those who receive this award have significantly contributed to the betterment of the targeted community and/or appreciation for Cornell within the public community.

Achievement Award for Excellence in Mentoring

This award recognizes postdocs who have fostered inclusion and equal opportunity in higher education through exemplary  mentorship, and/or outreach activities within the Cornell and local community. Those who receive this award have shown an unwavering commitment to promoting the growth and personal and professional development of students and trainees of diverse backgrounds.