The RNA Society / Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press Award for Research Excellence by an Underrepresented Scientist

The RNA Society / Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press Award for Research Excellence by an Underrepresented Scientist is sponsored by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press (CSHLP), a long-time partner of the RNA Society and publisher of RNA, the official journal of the Society. This award was established in 2021 to recognize exceptional contributions to RNA science by a scientific trainee who is underrepresented in biomedical research. This award is open to all graduate students and post-doctoral fellow trainees (or equivalent) who qualify as underrepresented based on the following considerations:

  • Individuals who are members of an underrepresented group of scientists that include
    • marginalized racial and ethnic groups shown to be underrepresented in biomedical research (including, for example, African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos) *individuals from any racial/ethnic minority are encouraged to apply
    • underrepresented gender identity groups
    • individuals with physical or mental impairment or disability
  • Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds and/or a first-generation graduate of a post-secondary institution for education

Applicants must be a current Student or Post-doctoral Fellow member of the RNA Society (click here to become a member).

Applications for The RNA Society / Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press Award for Research Excellence by an Underrepresented Scientist must include the following material:

  • Applicant’s current CV
  • A declaration of applicant’s eligibility for this award based on the criteria above (please provide sufficient detail to verify eligibility)
  • A 7000-character Summary of your research contributions and accomplishments to date (~1500 words)
  • A 2500-character Abstract that would form the basis of a Mini-review in RNA that examines an important concept in your field of research (~500 words)
  • A Letter of Support from a past or current research supervisor/mentor summarizing the applicant’s cumulative contributions to advancing RNA research. Letters of Support must be submitted electronically by the application deadline via the link provided on the online application site. Letters must include the applicant’s last name and award type in the file name.

Click here to apply online

Judging Procedures:
Applications will be evaluated by the RNA Society Awards Committee and judged on the applicant’s cumulative contribution to advancing RNA research and discovery as detailed in the application material. One applicant will be selected to receive this award category per year. 

Prize:
The winner each year will be awarded a prize with an estimated value of $5,000 that includes complementary registration to the RNA Society Annual Meeting and reimbursement for travel and accommodations to attend this meeting. Winners will also receive a cash prize of $500, an engraved commemorative plaque, a complementary one year RNA Society membership that includes a personal subscription to RNA. By accepting the RNA Society / Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press Award for Research Excellence by an Underrepresented Scientist, the winner agrees to contribute a mini-review article to RNA within the calendar year of the award. All Author Page and Open Access publication charges associated with publication of this mini-review article will be waived. Winners will be announced and recognized on the RNA Society website, through social media channels, and during the RNA Society Annual Meeting. 

Deadline:
Completed applications (including Letter of Support) must be received by October 1, 2024 in order to be considered (please note that it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure the Letter of Support is submitted by the deadline date). Late applications will not be evaluated.

Further information 
Email [email protected] for any questions about this award

Previous Winners:
Jillian Ramos (2022), Sezen Meydan (2023), Mariela Cortés López (2024)