2027 Mentoring Awards Information

The NIDA Intramural Research Program (IRP) Office of Education and Career Development (OECD) is pleased to announce the 2027 NIDA IRP Mentoring Awards, which recognize individuals who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to mentoring and to the development of NIDA trainees. The awards are presented annually in the spring.

Awards will be presented in three categories:

• Investigator Award – tenured or tenure-track investigator
• Staff Scientist/Staff Clinician Award
• Fellow Award – postdoctoral fellow, including IRTA, clinical, visiting, or research fellows

Nomination Process

1. Nominations will be invited from current trainees, fellows, investigators, and other members of the NIDA IRP community. A nominator will often be someone who has been mentored by the nominee; however, colleagues or supervisors may also submit nominations. More than one individual may nominate the same person.
2. Nominations must include a completed Mentoring Award Nomination Form and a statement of support of no more than 500 words.
3. There are no required topics for the statement of support. Nominators may wish to describe specific examples of:
   1. how the mentor has supported their development as a scientist and/or clinician;
   2. qualities or practices that distinguish the nominee as an exceptional mentor;
   3. communication and exchange of ideas and knowledge;
   4. the research or clinical training environment fostered by the mentor;
   5. the balance between guidance and trainee autonomy;
   6. the quality and usefulness of feedback; and
   7. opportunities provided for professional and career development.
4. Specific examples are encouraged because they help the selection committee understand the nominee’s mentoring contributions and impact.
5. Completed nomination materials should be emailed to OECD@nih.gov and are due March 1, 2027.

Review and Selection Process

1. A selection committee consisting of NIDA IRP trainees representing multiple training levels will review the nominations. The committee typically includes postbaccalaureate trainees, a graduate student, and postdoctoral fellows. The Chief of the Administrative Management Branch or a designee convenes the committee and serves ex officio.
2. The Office of Education and Career Development coordinates the Mentoring Award selection process but does not participate in the review or selection of awardees.
3. The selection committee will review the submitted nomination materials and work toward consensus in selecting the award recipients. If necessary, the committee may vote to finalize its selections.

 Confidentiality: Nomination materials will be shared only with individuals involved in administering and reviewing the Mentoring Awards process.