Hamilton Health Sciences Vice-President Research & Innovation Awards 2026

The Hamilton Health Sciences Vice-President Research & Innovation (VPRI) Awards for Outstanding Service recognize the outstanding contributions of HHS Researchers and Research Staff members across the HHS Research enterprise.

These awards are an annual opportunity where winners will be announced at the HHS Research Building Bridges Symposium on May 12, 2026. To attend the Building Bridges Symposium please register here.

Winners are determined by the VPRI Awards Committee, who will review nomination packages of the two awards based on the criteria outlined below. These award categories have an emphasized focus on scientific contributions, leadership, impact on healthcare, and the promotion of professional development.

Deadline to Submit: Sunday, March 22, 2026 @11:59pm.

All nominated individuals will be notified that they have been nominated.

Award Categories:

1) Rising Star in Research Award: honors early-career researchers for their significant scientific advancements and potential real-world impact on patient care and health outcomes. Early to mid-career researchers (i.e., up to 5 years from faculty appointment).

Please note: Nominee(s) must be appointed/cross-appointed under HHS Corporation to be eligible for this award.

2) Research Staff Award: acknowledges the excellence in leadership, innovation, and collaborative efforts of research staff in driving the success of major projects.

Please note: Staff do not have to conduct research or be directly involved in research to be eligible for this award; must be employed under HHS Corporation.

Nomination Process

You may submit one nomination form per award category; simply submit each completed form and use the "Nomination Form" link to load a new form and select the new category you wish to submit (note: any additional nomination forms submitted by the same nominator under the same category will not be considered)

If you wish to complete your nomination form at a later date, before the deadline, you may select the "Save and Complete Later" button at the bottom of the form. You will receive an email containing the link to your started form to return and complete.

Fill out survey below
Attach nomination letter in this form filled out by yourself (template provided below)
Attach letter of support from a leader, manager, peer and/or colleague in this form (template provided below)

Selection Process

The VPRI Awards committee will review all nomination packages and provide recommendations for both award categories
The VPRI Awards Committee will meet with the HHS VPRI to review recommendations and finalize award recipients from both categories
All nominees will receive a letter from the VPRI congratulating them on their nomination
Winners and overall nominees will be notified of their status by April 10, 2026
Award winners will receive an invitation to the Building Bridges Symposium, taking place on May 12, 2026 to receive their award

For any questions or concerns, please email Andrea Lee at (leeand@hhsc.ca).

If you have any technical issues please feel free to reach out to Zofia Sosnowski (sosnowskiz@hhsc.ca).

Name of the Nominee (i.e., First and Last)

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Nominee's Email Address

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Your Name (i.e., nominator's first and last name)

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Your Email Address (i.e., nominator's email address)

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Which category are you submitting a nomination?

**Please note: When you select a category, further questions and templates will appear**

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Rising Star in Research Award

Research Staff Award

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Rising Star in Research Award

Describe the nominee's significant contributions.

Highlight their key research achievements and significance to advancing the healthcare/medical field.

* must provide value

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What is the real-world or potential impact (e.g., knowledge translation) of the nominee's work on patient care and health outcomes?

Provide examples or evidence of improvements to healthcare practices, policies, populations and/or environment.

* must provide value

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What early-stage achievements, recognitions, activities, and/or initiatives are you aware of that make this nominee impressive?

Provide specific examples or metrics that showcase the nominee's accomplishments outside of the traditional achievements. Examples may include, but are not limited to:

Community Service
Knowledge Mobilization
Knowledge Translation
Mentorship Roles

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How has the nominee sought to enhance their expertise by engaging with interdisciplinary teams or mentorship opportunities?

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What distinguishes this person and motivated you to put their name forward for this award?

(i.e., Rising Star in Research Award)

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Please upload the Nominee's Curriculum Vitae (CV).

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Include testimonials or statements from colleagues, supervisors, or community members that support the nomination.

These endorsements can provide additional insight into the nominee's character and contributions.

Nomination Letter.docx

Letter of Support.docx

Upload file

Research Staff Award

What qualities make this individual an exceptional asset to the research community?

Highlight specific examples where the nominee has exceeded expectations or demonstrated remarkable dedication.

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Describe how the nominee has significantly contributed to fostering a collaborative and inclusive research environment.

Provide examples of efforts to integrate diverse perspectives, skill sets, and/or interdisciplinary approaches.

* must provide value

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How has the nominee's work led to innovations and/or improvements that have had tangible impact towards innovation and research at HHS?

Include examples of how their contributions go beyond traditional responsibilities.

* must provide value

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In what ways has the nominee supported the growth and professional development of colleagues, trainees, and/or team members?

Share examples of mentorship, training, and/or creating unique opportunities for others to excel.

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What sets this nominee apart from others in their field or role, and why do you believe they deserve this recognition?

Focus on unique attributes, achievements, or contributions that exemplify their exceptionalism.

* must provide value

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Are there additional achievements or contributions that showcase the nominee's dedication to advancing research and benefiting diverse patient populations?

This may include equity-focused initiatives, advocacy, and/or involvement in community-based projects.

* must provide value

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Include testimonials or statements from colleagues, supervisors, or community members that support the nomination.

These endorsements can provide additional insight into the nominee's character and contributions.

Letter of Support.docx

Nomination Letter.docx

Upload file

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