The awards recognize trainees (undergraduate and graduate students as well as postdoctoral researchers) and faculty (for the Interdisciplinary Collaboration category only) who have made intentional, sustained and impactful contributions in the areas of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) as related to the research and educational missions of our Center. Each year we will honor individuals for recent (past 1-2 years) efforts in the following three categories:

1. Inclusive Excellence in Mentorship
   This award category recognizes trainees who have demonstrated significant commitment to and excelled at inclusive and effective mentorship and support of other MRSEC scholars and students, particularly from groups underrepresented in materials science and engineering.

2. Inclusive Excellence in Public Engagement
   This award category recognizes trainees who through any number of venues and activities have engaged a diverse and broader community (of K-12 students and/or teachers, and/or general public) on science and technology related issues, including their research.

3. Inclusive Excellence in Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Research and Creative Activity
   This award category acknowledges a team of trainees and faculty who have worked collaboratively across disciplinary boundaries on a creative project or initiative that has advanced materials science and engineering research or education, while also embodying principles of EDI in the process and even the product of their work.

Each award consists of a $300 gift card and a certificate. All members of the UC San Diego MRSEC community are encouraged to nominate or endorse colleagues.

ELIGIBILITY:
Eligible nominees are current, funded or affiliated* UC San Diego MRSEC graduate/undergraduate students and postdoctoral researchers, and faculty (for the Interdisciplinary Collaboration category only).
*Trainees who are funded from other sources but are actively engaged in MRSEC-related projects.

NOMINATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Nominations may be submitted by MRSEC faculty, trainees, staff, advisory committee members, and affiliates. Self-nominations and external nominations are accepted.

Complete the Nomination Form (link to form will be updated in summer 2025)

• Please be sure to provide specific and detailed information about the nominee's EDI efforts (as related to the specific award category). The description (limited to 500 words) should include frequency and duration of the efforts(s), the intended audience, and any demonstrated impact (quantitative or qualitative) or potential for impact of the effort(s).
• Optional: website links, videos, online content and supporting documents (e.g., flyers, promotional materials, documented feedback).
• A nominator must provide the name and e-mail address of one additional person who can corroborate the EDI efforts of the nominated person or group.

Nominations for the 2025 UC San Diego MRSEC Inclusive Excellence Award will be accepted late summer to fall 2025, deadline TBD.  Awards will be announced at the Day 1 of the Annual Review Meeting in 2025.

For additional information and inquiries, please contact Janka Bond (j2bond@ucsd.edu)