Celebrating Research and Innovation Excellence Awards banner graphic

2026 Research & Innovation Excellence Awards

Research, scholarship, creative activity, and innovation shape the University of Windsor experience. Across all nine faculties, students, staff, and faculty contribute to research and innovation through inquiry that is collaborative and committed. 

The Research & Innovation Awards recognize the breadth of work that takes place across disciplines and career stages, and celebrate the many ways it advances knowledge and understanding. Together, the awards highlight the role of research in enriching the University and the communities it serves.

Faculty, staff, and students are invited to nominate candidates for the awards listed below by March 9, 2026. 

Nominations must be submitted via Qualtrics form.

Any general inquires can be sent to: innovation@uwindsor.ca


Calls for Nomination

The Vice-President, Research and Innovation is formally receiving nominations for the following awards:

Outstanding Faculty Research & Innovation Award

Emerging Career (first 6 years of career)

Mid-Career (years 6 through 12 of career)

Established Career (12 years or more of career)

Description

The Outstanding Faculty Research & Innovation Awards celebrate the achievements of early, mid-career, and established faculty whose work demonstrates excellence in research, scholarship, creative activity, and innovation.

Who’s Eligible

All current full-time, permanent faculty members who have achieved a terminal degree in their field and have been at the University of Windsor for at least two (2) years are eligible for nomination. Librarians will also be considered eligible.

Outstanding Postdoctoral Fellow

Description

The Outstanding Postdoctoral Fellow Award celebrates outstanding contributions in their field.

Who’s Eligible

All individuals who held a postdoctoral fellow appointment during the year of recognition.

Outstanding Student Awards (Graduate Student)

Description

The Outstanding Student Awards celebrate the achievements of undergraduate and graduate students, together with their supervisor, for excellence in research, scholarship, creative activity, and innovation.

Who’s Eligible

Students who have are currently enrolled as a graduate student or have been enrolled as a graduate student in the preceding nomination year. 

Outstanding Student Awards (Undergraduate Student)

Description

The Outstanding Student Awards celebrate the achievements of undergraduate and graduate students, together with their supervisor, for excellence in research, scholarship, creative activity, and innovation.

Who’s Eligible

Students who have are currently enrolled as an undergrad or have been enrolled as an undergrad in the preceding nomination year.

Outstanding Staff Award

Description

The Outstanding Staff Award recognizes a staff member whose dedication and contributions meaningfully support and advance research, scholarship, creative activity, and innovation within their department/Faculty.

Who’s Eligible

All staff involved in or actively supporting research and innovation activities.

Outstanding Inclusive Excellence Award

Description

The Outstanding Inclusive Excellence Awards recognizes University of Windsor faculty who have demonstrated a commitment to equity and inclusion in research, scholarship, creative activity, and innovation, and have developed a research program or practice that exemplifies an outstanding integration of the principles of equity and inclusion through research methodologies, research team design, and/or training opportunities.

Who’s Eligible

All current University of Windsor faculty and librarians are eligible for nomination.