The Society for Pediatric and Perinatal Epidemiologic Research (SPER) invites nominations for the Mentoring Award. The deadline for submission is January 29, 2024 at 11:59 PM PT.
The SPER Mentoring Award recognizes the importance of dedicated and skilled mentors in the development of reproductive, pediatric, and perinatal epidemiologists at all levels. The nominees will be evaluated based on proficiency in mentoring skills, dedication to mentoring, and attention to advisee development technically, professionally, and personally in the field. Nominees should demonstrate effective people skills, motivate and inspire their mentees to excel, and should serve as a role model, teaching and demonstrating high standards of performance and integrity.
Individuals with an established career from academia, government, or the private sector are eligible. Candidates should be at the Associate Professor rank or above if in academia or at an equivalent senior rank in government agencies or industry. Nominees must be SPER members in good standing. Incomplete nomination packets will not be considered. The winner is also expected to have an active Society membership at the time of meeting registration.
To be considered for the award, the following documents must be submitted in a single PDF file named as the nominee’s last name with “mentor” appended at the beginning (i.e., mentor_lastname):
- Cover letter from the nominating SPER member including the following information: name of the nominee, nominee’s current university/agency affiliation, nominee’s address, phone, email address, reason for the nomination, name of the nominator, nominator’s email address and phone number
- Letters of support from two (or more) persons mentored by the nominated individual that address the evaluation criteria
- Copy of the nominee’s curriculum vitae
Individuals will be evaluated according to the following four criteria: (1) evidence of mentees’ success, (2) contributions to the field as a mentor, (3) participation in SPER activities, and (4) letters of support. There is an important distinction between academic standing and mentoring accomplishments. This award is intended to highlight individuals as mentors only, and mentoring accomplishments will be evaluated taking into account the applicant’s career stage.
The winner of the Mentoring Award will receive a $500 award and the SPER Meeting registration fee waived.