The inaugural EMCR Peer Development Awards recognise Level A-C academics who have made outstanding contributions to building researcher capabilities and supporting career development in early-to-mid career researcher (EMCR) peers at the University of Sydney.

The Awards recognise leadership and innovation in researcher development by individuals and EMCR groups. For the purposes of this award, “researcher development” is defined as activities that build researchers’ skills, knowledge, career success, networks, and researcher identity. 

The individual awards will grant $1,000 in research or professional development funds and a $250 personal gift card to the successful recipients. The network award will provide $1,000 in funds to support the activities of that EMCR network.

These awards are offered by the Researcher Development Unit in the Research Portfolio.

1. Leadership in Researcher Development 

Recognises individuals who have demonstrated significant leadership in conceptualising, designing, enabling, and/or delivering high-quality and impactful researcher development activities for EMCR peers, beyond ordinary contributions expected of their position. 

2. Innovative Peer Training Design 

Recognises individuals who have designed and delivered a highly innovative researcher development activity for EMCR peers within the past two years (e.g. a program, workshop, interactive digital resources). 

3. EMCR Community Impact

Recognises an EMCR committee or network that has gone above and beyond to foster the development of EMCRs in their community. This includes running researcher development activities as well as creating spaces and experiences for colleagues to foster collaboration and peer support.