Research and Creative Activity (RCA) Awards

In recognition of the research, scholarly, and artistic achievements of NAU faculty and students—and their importance in serving our region and society—the Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President for Research are pleased to announce the Research and Creative Activity (RCA) Awards program.

Award categories

Most Promising New Research Scholar

Awarded to a tenure-track faculty member who has demonstrated the potential to contribute outstanding research and scholarship to their discipline. Nominees should be no more than seven years removed from completion of their terminal degree, and within the first five years of their appointment at the University.

Most Promising New Artistic or Creative Scholar

Awarded to a tenure-track faculty member who has demonstrated the potential to contribute outstanding artistic scholarship or creative activities to their discipline. Nominees should be no more than seven years removed from completion of their terminal degree, and within the first five years of their appointment at the University.

Most Promising Graduate Student Research Scholar

Awarded to a graduate student who has displayed excellence in research and scholarship, and demonstrated significant potential for further success in their discipline.

Most Promising Graduate Artistic or Creative Scholar

Awarded to a graduate student who has displayed excellence in artistic scholarship or creative activities, and demonstrated significant potential for further success in their discipline.

Graduate Research Mentorship

Awarded to a faculty member whose mentoring of graduate students is demonstrated by effective approaches, a clear time commitment, and positive student outcomes. Nominations of previous recipients of this award may be considered provided five years or more have passed since the initial recognition.

Graduate Artistic or Creative Work Mentorship

Awarded to a faculty member whose mentoring of graduate students is demonstrated by effective approaches, a clear time commitment, and positive student outcomes. Nominations of previous recipients of this award may be considered provided five years or more have passed since the initial recognition.

Most Significant Research/Scholarly Work

Awarded to an NAU employee (or group of employees) who has produced a research or scholarly work—an article, book or book chapter, video, monograph, etc.—that has had or is anticipated to have a significant impact in the discipline. While individuals or groups are nominated for this category, the emphasis is on the scholarly work itself, which must have been first published within three years of the date of nomination.

Most Significant Artistic/Creative Work

Awarded to an NAU employee (or group of employees) who has produced a creative or artistic work—a performance, sculpture, novel or book, composition, exhibit, etc.—that demonstrates creative innovation and impact in the discipline. While individuals or groups are nominated for this category, the emphasis is on the creative work itself, which must have been first presented within three years of the date of nomination.

Most Significant Innovation in Technology Transfer or Commercialization

Awarded to a faculty member whose inventions have achieved or have the potential for economic development and successful commercialization through the translation of the invention into marketable products and/or services in collaboration with NAU Innovations and industry partners. Nominations of previous recipients of this award may be considered provided five years or more have passed since the initial recognition.

Nomination process

Each academic department at NAU may nominate up to one eligible individual/work for each of the award categories using the attached form. All nominations are to be submitted via Department Chairs/Directors. Nominations are due by 5 p.m, Monday, December 6, 2021.

Individuals who are nominated will be asked to submit a packet of nomination materials, which will be provided to the RCA Review Committee. This material will be sent to all nominees by Friday, December 20, 2021 and must be completed and returned to the OVPR’s office no later than Monday, February 7, 2022.