The Stanford Postdoc Champions: Community Impact Awards serve to highlight the individual contributions of postdocs whose service fosters belonging and uplifts their communities.
These awards provide a democratic way to acknowledge the work of postdoctoral scholars, and amplify the spirit of inclusion and service set by Stanford University.
Service, Impact, & Belonging
We define service as activities or contributions (separate from research) that impact the greater community.
For this award, we view impact as direct contributions that have a wide-reaching effect and significance. While we value 1:1 mentoring, this award serves to highlight the work of people reaching broader groups and/or influencing lasting institutional change.
Belonging encompasses feeling welcomed, valued, and comfortable to be your authentic self in a group or space. This award serves to highlight work that fosters belonging in the communities postdocs care about.
Overview of Nomination Process
Nominations require the nominee's name, email address, and a statement outlining the activities and the impact of the nominee's work. This statement should focus on highlighting the impact of the nominee's work as it pertains to championing belonging through service work. If possible, please include relevant details: what (activities, organizations, committees, etc.), when, who was impacted, and why this postdoc's contributions deserve recognition. These statements should focus on activities and efforts during the 2024-25 academic year.
The review committee looks for nominations which provide clear examples of the type of service and the impact (reach, outcomes, etc.) of the nominee’s work that exemplifies the goals of the award as defined above. Additionally, quality of the nomination(s) is most important; the number of nominations carries no weight in the review process.
Nominations may be submitted via this form.
Who may nominate?
Anyone in the Stanford ecosystem may submit a nomination for a Postdoc Champion Award, including postdoctoral scholars, undergraduate/graduate students, faculty, administrators, and/or staff. Multiple nominations (per person) can be submitted. However, self-nominations will not be considered.
Who may be nominated?
This award is only available to postdoctoral scholars at Stanford University.
When and how to nominate?
The nomination period for the Stanford Postdoc Champions: Community Impact Awards is from June 6th, 2025 to June 30, 2025 at 11:59pm. Nominations may be submitted via this form.
How are awardees chosen?
A committee of staff and current postdocs review nominations using an equitable selection rubric.
When will awardees be announced?
Awardees will be announced and highlighted via OPA social media channels throughout early fall.
The Postdoc Champions Awards ceremony will be held October 8, starting at 4pm. All are welcome to attend!
Awards Ceremony Agenda:
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4:00pm - Postdoc Belonging Survey Presentation
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5:00pm - Welcome Remarks from Senior Leadership
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5:10pm - Presentation of Awards
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5:45pm - Reception
What if I have questions?
You may send questions to the Postdoc Programs team at postdocawards@stanford.edu.
Meet the 2025 Postdoc Champions
Meet the 2024 Postdoc Champions
Meet the 2023 Postdoc Champions