• Nominate a PRA or self-nominate if you are a PRA.

  • If chosen, get a $1000 award.

Your helper

For questions, email instaaradmin@colorado.edu 

The award

Professional Research Assistants (PRAs) and Senior PRAs working as professional scientists are critical to our institute’s research success. INSTAAR wishes to recognize these valued members of our research teams with an annual INSTAAR Outstanding PRA Award. The award aims to provide recognition within INSTAAR and the broader community and a monetary award.

This merit-based award is not intended only as recognition for years of service, although that can be a recognized element in a nomination. Recipients of the award will be those who have demonstrated a level of commitment and expertise that exceeds normal expectations of their position. This criterion is broad in scope to allow for the recognition of PRAs working in a variety of roles.

The award amount is $1,000 (taxable) and has been initiated by funds from royalty income that is the result of patents shared by a former INSTAAR PRA Bruce Vaughn. All INSTAAR-affiliated PRAs or Senior PRAs are eligible. Nominations by any Institute member as well as self-nominations are encouraged.

Nominate in the late fall

  • A link to a nomination form will be emailed to INSTAARs in the fall.
  • Nomination forms are typically due by December 15.
  • Committee evaluations and announcements are typically made by end of February.