>Explore UMass Amherst Student Research Awards

The nomination period for the UMass Amherst Groundbreaking Graduate Student award program is now open. Faculty may nominate a graduate student by completing this form. Both the faculty and student forms are due by October 23, 2026. 

Overview

The Groundbreaking Graduate Student award recognizes UMass Amherst master's or doctoral students who demonstrate exceptional academic quality and leadership in their research, scholarship, or creative activities. This program is supported by University Relations, the Office of Research and Engagement, and the Graduate School.

Who is eligible for the award?

Nominees are current UMass Amherst master’s or doctoral students who have demonstrated excellence in their research, scholarship, or creative activity. Notable accomplishments may include:

• securing external grants, honors, or awards
• receiving recognition for innovative projects, contributions to their field, compositions, performances, or productions (or similar scholarly products)
• publishing impactful research in peer-reviewed journals, books, or community-based projects
• taking a leadership role in community outreach efforts related to their research

We aim to highlight a diverse range of accomplishments of UMass Amherst’s graduate student body.

Who can submit a nomination?

The faculty advisor, or another faculty member familiar with the work of a graduate student, may submit a nomination. Once nominated, the graduate student must also submit documentation of their accomplishments.

Nomination and Selection Process 

A call for nominations will be issued once a year during the fall semester. During the nomination period, links to the nomination form in Kuali Build will be posted on this website. The nomination period will be approximately three weeks long.

• Faculty members are encouraged to nominate eligible master’s or doctoral students whom they advise/mentor. During the nomination period, links to the nomination form in Kuali Build will be posted to this website and shared via email.
  • Nominators should provide context for the research, scholarly, or creative accomplishments that form the basis for the nomination (including publications, exhibitions, or performances; presentations at national meetings; and innovation and entrepreneurship activities).
  • Nominations submitted by faculty members or administrators other than the student’s advisor are also permitted; however, they must include sufficient information about the nominee’s research, scholarly, or creative accomplishments for the selection committee to make an informed decision.
  • If multiple faculty members wish to nominate the same student, they should combine their statements of support into ONE submission in Kuali Build, with a note indicating the names of all faculty members supporting the nomination.
  • Faculty are strongly encouraged to submit nominations well before the deadline, and to coordinate with their nominated student, to allow sufficient time for the student to submit their own supporting information and materials.
• Once a faculty member submits a nomination, the nominated student will receive an email from Kuali Build notifying them to log in and submit their supporting information and materials—including a CV, description of their research or scholarly project, and information on publications, presentations, and the impact their project has had on their education and future plans.
• Students should add no-reply@mail.kualibuild.com to the “safe sender” list in their email client, or check their spam folder, to ensure they receive notifications.

Recognition

Winners will be featured across multiple media channels, including the UMass website. They will also be publicly recognized at the Celebration of Graduate Excellence event in May and will receive a trophy.

Questions? Contact Lauren Rubenstein.