Purpose
The Rustum and Della Roy Innovation in Materials Research Awards recognize research at Penn State in four categories; Junior Faculty, Non-Tenure Line Researcher, Post-Doctoral Scholar, and Graduate Student, which yields innovative and unexpected results in materials.
Eligibility
Researchers having conducted interdisciplinary materials research at Penn State within the past year are eligible to apply. Senior research associates and associate professors are not eligible. Recipients of this award are not eligible to reapply for subsequent consideration. All Roy Awards require letters of support (as described in each class) that clearly demonstrate the successful and interdisciplinary nature of the research for which they are being recognized. Candidates from all degree programs related to materials research may apply.
Four Classes Of Awards
Junior Faculty Awards (2 @ $2000) – for the interdisciplinary work and a significant discovery they have contributed to the scientific field while at Penn State in their current role. For the sake of this award, Junior Faculty are defined as assistant professors not yet tenured or having received tenure within the past academic year. This award requires a nomination/endorsement by the faculty’s department head in the form of a support letter. A full list off application items required:
- statement from applicant that describes current research endeavors that highlights the interdisciplinary nature of the candidate’s work; and details the level of novelty of the discovery (two-page maximum)
- support letter from Department Head to describe the importance of the innovative research
- additional support letters are not required but will be considered
- curriculum vitae
Non-Tenure Line Research Faculty and Research Staff Award (1 @ $1500) – (Project/research associate, staff, or non-tenure track research faculty) based on work done at PSU in interdisciplinary research they have provided in the prior 1-2 years. This award requires 2 support letters from colleagues/supervisors that are familiar with the individual’s research and have received support. A full list off application items required:
- statement from applicant that describes current research endeavors that highlights the interdisciplinary nature of the candidate’s work; (two-page maximum)
- two support letters to describe the importance of the interdisciplinary research
- curriculum vitae or resume
Post-Doctoral Scholar (1 @ $1500) – Postdoctoral Scholars at Penn State who have worked on a successful interdisciplinary research project in the past year while at Penn State. This award requires a letter of support from the Postdoctoral Scholar’s advisor and a letter of support from someone knowledgeable in the applicant's field of study. A full list off application items required:
- statement from applicant that describes current research endeavors that highlights the interdisciplinary nature of the candidate’s work (two-page maximum)
- two support letters to describe the importance of the interdisciplinary research
- curriculum vitae
Graduate Student (2 @ $1000) – Graduate Students (current or graduated within the past year) for work on an interdisciplinary project. This award requires a letter of support from the Graduate Student’s advisor and a letter of support from staff or faculty member in another discipline or a member of student’s thesis/dissertation committee. A full list off application items required:
- statement from applicant that describes current research endeavors that highlights the interdisciplinary nature of the candidate’s work (two-page maximum)
- two support letters to describe the importance of the interdisciplinary research
- curriculum vitae
- a transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable)
- a list of thesis/dissertation committee members
Application
To apply go to the InfoReady site: here
Deadline
For the current 2021-2022 year, applications must be submitted through InfoReady by September 15, 2022. The awards will be presented at Materials Day, October 20 - 21, 2022.
Selection Process
A selection panel comprised of Penn State faculty administrators familiar with interdisciplinary materials research will review the applications. Awards are disbursed through students’ Bursar Accounts in accordance with federal financial aid regulations.