Research & Innovation Awards
Recognizing research, scholarship, innovation and creative activity.
The University of Louisville's Research & Innovation Awards recognize the faculty and staff whose ideas, discoveries and scholarship are transforming their fields and driving meaningful impact.
From groundbreaking scientific discoveries, to translating research into real-world solutions and enriching our understanding through creative works, these awards celebrate the individuals who are dedicated to advancing knowledge and improving our world.
Explore the award categories below and help us honor the colleagues whose work inspires excellence across the university.
Celebrating Research Excellence
Honor the faculty and staff whose contributions are shaping the future through research, scholarship, innovation and creative activity. Nominations are due on or before September 30, 2026.
Awards Open for Nomination
This award recognizes a well-established researcher or scholar who has made a significant impact in their field during FY 2026 through outstanding non-commercialized research and scholarly achievements such as publications, grants, national or international recognition, industry partnerships, or community-engaged projects. To be eligible, the nominee must have been employed full-time at UofL for at least three (3) years.
This award recognizes an established innovator who has made a significant impact in their field during FY 2026 by turning research into real-world outcomes. Examples include patents, licenses, participation in innovation or translational programs, and the creation of startup companies. The recipient will have made important contributions to the economic, societal, or cultural growth of UofL, Kentucky, and the nation. To be eligible, the nominee must have worked full-time at UofL for at least three (3) years.
This award recognizes an early-career researcher or scholar who has demonstrated significant impact and promise in their field during the previous fiscal year through achievements such as publications, grants, industry partnerships, and leadership. To be eligible for this award, the researcher must be a tenure-track assistant or associate professor within their first five (5) years of research or academic employment at a higher education institution.
This award is given to an individual or team producing exemplary and impactful creative works in FY2026. Creative works are research outputs generated through creative and scholarly activities, including writing, artistic production, composition, design, recording, performance, and curation.