The President's Awards for Excellence in Research are annual awards to recognise staff members who have made outstanding contributions in early career research, research support, as part of a research team, and in research innovation and external collaboration.
Nominations for the 2025 President's Awards for Excellence in Research are now open, and the deadline has been extended, now closing on the 21st of March. For further details, including eligibility and specific award category guidance, please visit our 'How to Nominate' webpage.
In Memory of Lynne Cox and her remarkable dedication to supporting research at Imperial, the Award for Research Support Excellence is being renamed in her memory. This tribute honours her 50 years of service, leadership, and lasting impact on the research community, ensuring her legacy continues to inspire future generations at Imperial.
The Awards
Lynne Cox Award for Excellence in Research Support
The Lynne Cox President’s Award for Excellence in Research Support aims to recognise the contribution of Research Support staff at Imperial, including the beneficial effects their support has given to Imperial research and the innovative approaches/good practice they bring to a project. Imperial staff on professional, operational or technical contracts are eligible to be nominated for this award.
This award category offers a maximum of four awards, including up to two Medals for Research Support Excellence.
Outstanding Early Career Researcher
The Award for Outstanding Early Career Researcher aims to celebrate the academic excellence and development of Imperial's early stage researchers. Eligible nominees are research staff within the first 10 years (FTE) of their postdoctoral research activity (counted from viva date).
This award category offers a maximum of four awards, including up to two Medals for Outstanding Early Career Researcher.
Excellence in Impact
The Award for Excellence in Impact, which encompasses Policy, Enterprise, Engagement or Translation impact, aims to celebrate individuals or Teams whose research endeavours transcend academic boundaries, creating tangible, positive changes in society and the environment while exemplifying Imperial’s values in action.
This award category offers a maximum of two awards, including up to one Medal for Excellence in Impact.
Outstanding Research Team
The Award for Outstanding Research Team celebrates the achievements of research teams at Imperial, recognising outstanding research that delivers impact, a team's international standing and their beneficial contribution to Imperial. Multidisciplinary teams are particularly encouraged to be considered for an award. Eligible teams are those of at least five ICL staff, led by an academic at lecturer grade or above.
This award category offers a maximum of two awards, including up to one Medal for Outstanding Research Team.
Excellence in Research Environment
The Award for Excellence in Research Environment (Ethics, Culture and Sustainability) celebrates individuals or groups whose initiatives and actions significantly contribute to nurturing an inclusive, collaborative research environment and promoting sustainable research practices within the institution.
This award category offers a maximum of two awards, including up to one Medal for Excellence in Research Environment.