Mason Korea solicits nominations for its annual Research Award, which recognizes and rewards excellence and impact in scholarly research here at Mason Korea. This award celebrates faculty whose research demonstrates influence and alignment with the university’s mission.

• Purpose of the Award

The Research Award honors faculty whose work advances knowledge, contributes to their discipline, and has a meaningful impact on society, policy, and practice. The award recognizes both scholarly excellence and contributions to building a vibrant research culture here at Mason Korea.

• Criteria for Research Award

These awards will recognize sustained, outstanding performance and contributions to the research mission of Mason Korea, through excellence in one or more of the following areas:

1. Research Excellence and Impact
   • Demonstrated record of book authorship, or high-quality, peer-reviewed publications, creative work, or equivalent scholarly output appropriate to the discipline.
   • Evidence of research impact through citations, adoption of findings, patents, or real-world applications.
2. Innovation and Originality
   • Original contributions that challenge conventional thinking, open new areas of inquiry, or integrate interdisciplinary approaches.
   • Demonstrated ability to develop novel methodologies, frameworks, or technologies.
3. External Recognition and Funding
   • Successful attainment of competitive external grants, fellowships, or contracts.
   • Recognition of research excellence through awards, invited lectures, keynote addresses, or professional honors at national or international levels, such as major conferences.
4. Mentorship and Capacity Building
   • Active mentorship of student researchers (undergraduate, graduate, or postdoctoral), supporting their scholarly development and success.
   • Engagement in building a strong research culture within the department, college, or university.
5. Alignment with Institutional Mission
   • Research that advances the university’s mission and strategic priorities (e.g., innovation, social impact, global engagement).
   • Contributions to interdisciplinary initiatives, community-based research, or partnerships with industry, government, or civil society.

• Nominations

If you have a colleague in mind to nominate, please send your nomination to the Office of Faculty Affairs at [email protected] in electronic format using the nomination form accompanied by a 500-word letter indicating how the nominee meets one or more of the criteria listed above. To facilitate nomination letter writing, please refer to the rubric and the nomination form available on the Mason Korea website. All nominations should include a portfolio created by the faculty that includes materials providing documentation of the criteria listed above.

• Selection

The selection will be made by an ad hoc committee. Committee members for this will be solicited by the Associate Dean for Faculty and Academic Affairs and the Faculty Assembly Chair. To facilitate the selection of award winners, the ad hoc committee will use the rubric available on the Mason Korea website.

• Recognition

The award will be announced annually in the Fall and presented at the December Graduation Ceremony. The recipient will receive $1,000 and a plaque.