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University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

Internal Awards

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and the University of Massachusetts President's Office provide funding for Internal Award programs.

Research Development Grant Portal (InfoReady)

Office of Research and Innovation
Outstanding Research Awards

These awards recognize excellence in independent and collaborative research as well as scholarly works and creative projects in all fields by undergraduate and graduate students. They also recognize the dedication and excellence of faculty members committed to mentoring students in research, scholarship, and creative work to further the educational experiences of students at UMass Dartmouth.

The awardees will be chosen by a committee appointed by the Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation, working closely with the Faculty Senate Research Committee.  The Awardees will receive a plaque and $1,000* check. 

  • ORI Award for Outstanding Research, Scholarship, or Creative academic work by an Undergraduate Student
    • At least two awards will be given each year, one for research in a STEM field and one for non-STEM fields (Arts, Business, Humanities, and Social Sciences).
    • Based on work that took place during the student’s undergraduate time at UMass Dartmouth
    • Faculty nomination is required
      • Nominations are due April 1, 2023
    • Criteria
      • Quality of research, including consistency of effort by the student
      • Originality and impact of research and scholarly work
      • Evidence could include success in presenting the research, scholarship or creative work at major peer-reviewed conferences, publications, or exhibitions, or success in receiving internal and external recognitions, awards, residencies, and scholarships
  • ORI Award for Outstanding Research, Scholarship, or Creative academic work by a Graduate Student
    • At least two awards will be given each year, one for research in a STEM field and one for non-STEM fields (Arts, Business, Humanities, and Social Sciences).
    • Based on work that took place during the student’s graduate work at UMass Dartmouth
    • Faculty nomination is required
      • Nominations are due April 1, 2023
    • Criteria
      • Quality of research, scholarship or creative work including consistency of effort by the student
      • Originality and impact of research and scholarly work
      • Evidence could include success in presenting the research, scholarship or creative work at major peer-reviewed conferences, publications, or exhibitions, or success in receiving internal and external recognitions, awards, residencies, and scholarships
  • ORI Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Faculty Research Mentor
    • Intended for faculty who have shown a commitment to working with undergraduate students in research, knowledge creation, and/or scholarship.
    • Based on mentoring during the past five years (June 2018-April 2023)
    • Nomination is required from a College Dean, Department Chair, or a faculty colleague
      • Nominations are due April 1, 2023
    • Criteria
      • Quality of student work and number of research-active students served
      • Success in co-authoring academic and peer-reviewed articles and/or presentations; success in guiding students’ independent presentations at peer-reviewed venues.
      • Success in supervising students who apply for national grants, residencies, and scholarships.
      • Success in placing research-active students in high-impact jobs or grad programs.
  • ORI Award for Outstanding Graduate Faculty Research Mentor
    • Intended for faculty who have shown a commitment to working with graduate students in research, knowledge creation, and/or scholarship.
    • Based on mentoring during the past five years (June 2018-April 2023)
    • Nomination is required from a graduate researcher, with endorsement of the Department Chair and the College/School Dean of the nominee
      • Nominations are due April 1, 2023
    • Criteria
      • Quality of student work and number of research-active students served
      • Success in co-authoring academic and peer-reviewed articles and/or presentations; success in guiding students’ independent presentations at peer-reviewed venues.
      • Success in supervising students who apply for national grants, residencies, and scholarships.
      • Success in placing research-active students in high-impact jobs or academic programs/positions.
* - will be subject to university regulations on student financial aid and faculty additional-compensation.