Award Categories and Nominations

SRAI Award Categories

The Herbert B. Chermside Lifetime Achievement Award for Distinguished Contribution to Research Administration

The Herbert B. Chermside Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes distinguished and substantial contributions to the development of research administration as a profession.

This award was created and named after an SRAI member who first joined only two years after the Society was formed and then spent the rest of his career working towards the advancement of the profession of research administration. He was known as a mentor to many, and a dedicated research administrator to all.

Distinguishable and recognized contributions to this award may be in the form of any of the following:

• Publications in research management and administration journals.
• Speeches concerning research administration and the advancement of the profession before major organizations.
• Service on committees or agencies which have had a direct and positive impact on research administration.
• Other activities which have contributed to the development of research administration as a profession.

Nominations for the award are solicited from leaders in colleges and universities, industry, government and the SRAI membership. The nominee does not need to be an SRAI  member. The nominator must be a current SRAI  member. One winner is selected each year.

Hartford-Nicholsen Award

This award was established to recognize SRAI members whose services demonstrate leadership in the Society, and who have made a major, distinguishable contribution which has been of benefit to the entire Society.

Individuals who are nominated for this award have contributed their professional expertise to the Society to help develop, define and promote best practices in research administration.

The contributions an individual has made to show suitability for this award may be in the form of any of the following:

• Served in a leadership role within SRAI as an officer of a chapter or section, chair of a committee or working group, or member of the Board of Directors.
• A dedicated SRAI speaker, sharing knowledge and expertise while promoting best practices and development in the field of research administration.

The nominee must be a current SRAI member, nominated by a current SRAI member. Up to three winners can be selected each year.

Excellence Award

This award recognizes SRAI members who have excelled in meeting the Society's purpose of expanding the knowledge and tools of research administration.

This award was established in 1977, in honor of the Society's 10th anniversary.

Recipients of this award have made contributions to the field of research administration within SRAI and their own institution and/or outside organization through the development and expansion of methodology, working applications and tools in an important and fundamental way as demonstrated through:

• Presentations
• Teaching and/or mentoring
• Service to an institution and/or outside organization.
• Publications

The nominee must be a current SRAI member, nominated by a current SRAI member. Up to three winners can be selected each year.

The Technology Innovation and Application Award

This award was established in 2010 and celebrates individuals or teams who have introduced technological solutions that enhance research administration.

Regardless of the media, innovations significantly move an office forward using technologies that best reflect the goals proposed. Innovation can take many forms – whether it’s the development of a new software tool, streamlining data management systems, or implementing digital platforms that improve grants management, communication, and collaboration across departments.

The nominee may be an individual or team. The technology may have been developed within one’s own institution/organization or in collaboration with another outside entity. 

Nominee(s) does not need to be an SRAI member. The nominator must be a current SRAI member.

Outstanding Achievement Award in Policy and Science Diplomacy

This award recognizes individuals or teams who recognize the crucial role that policy and science diplomacy plan in supporting organizations at all levels – local, federal/national, and international. Established in 2024, it honors those excelling in research administration, helping to maximize the impact of research and development for collaborations, mutual understanding, and joint efforts to find shared solutions to global challenges.

This award has two tracks:

1. Outstanding Achievement Award in Policy
2. Outstanding Achievement Award in Science Diplomacy.

 The Outstanding Achievement Award in Policy acknowledges the contribution of research administrators who have contributed to shaping policies that address local, national, or regional challenges. It honors those whose work has impacted the administration of research and development, helping improve how research is managed and delivered through influencing policies and setting new bridges for prioritization nationally and regionally.

The Outstanding Achievement Award in Science Diplomacy recognizes those who contributed to the use of science to strengthen international relationships and foster cooperation. It recognizes efforts to help regions and countries work better together through scientific collaborations.

Science diplomacy includes:

• Diplomacy for Science: Working with diplomats to facilitate international scientific collaborations.
• Science for Diplomacy: Using science to enhance diplomatic relations.
• Science in Diplomacy: Providing scientific insights to inform political decisions. 

Nominee(s) must be a current SRAI member. The nominator must be a current SRAI member. Up to two winners will be selected each year, one for each track.

Award Process FAQs

Questions?

For questions about SRAI Awards and Recognitions, please email membership@srainternational.org.