OHBM Australia's 2024 Emerging Leadership Award

Purpose

The Emerging Leadership Award is established to honour and recognize early-to-mid-career (EMCR) researchers who have demonstrated exceptional independence, leadership, and a significant scientific contribution to the field of human brain mapping. This award aims to support researchers in advancing their careers while fostering innovation and collaboration within the scientific community.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Applicants must be within ten years of completing their doctoral degree (based on the date of the letter of conferral, not graduation) as of 30 Sep 2024.
2. Candidates should show research independence, leadership, and a sustained record of scientific contributions in human brain mapping.
3. Applicants must be employed (at least 0.5 FTE) at a recognized research institution or university within Australia. Researchers who completed their PhD outside Australia but are currently based in Australia are also eligible.
4. Active membership in the Australian Chapter of the Organization of Human Brain Mapping is required. You can become a member for free by filling this form.

Emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

The Chapter is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive research community. We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented groups in science, including women, ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ+ researchers, and those from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The selection process will ensure fairness and inclusivity, evaluating candidates based on their scientific merit, leadership, and commitment to DEI principles.

Consideration of Career Interruptions

Recognizing that personal circumstances such as parental leave, health issues, caregiving responsibilities, or other significant interruptions can impact a researcher’s career trajectory, such factors will be considered when assessing an applicant’s achievements relative to opportunity. Applicants are encouraged to provide a statement explaining any career disruptions, detailing their duration and impact on research productivity.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Scientific Contributions: Demonstrated significant and sustained contributions to the field of human brain mapping, including high-impact publications and recognition within the scientific community.
• Research Independence and Leadership: Evidence of established research independence, leadership in research programs, and evidence of securing research funding.
• Emerging International Recognition: Indicators of emerging international and national recognition, such as invitations to present at major conferences or institutions, awards, and memberships on editorial boards or professional committees.
• Commitment to DEI: Demonstrated efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the research community.
• Future Potential: The applicant’s potential for continued contributions and impact in the field of human brain mapping.

Award Benefits

• An invitation to deliver a lecture at the Australian Chapter’s annual meeting.
• Funding for travel expenses if required, and free registration to the conference.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following components:

• A self-nomination letter of no more than 750 words outlining the candidate’s contributions, leadership, and impact in the field.
• A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) not exceeding two pages, highlighting academic qualifications, positions held, significant awards, fellowships, and grants.
• A list of the top 5 publications, with a brief description of each including applicant’s contribution, and any recognition received (e.g., citations, editorial commentaries, etc.).
• A statement detailing any career disruptions (if applicable).
• An optional DEI statement describing the applicant’s contributions to fostering diversity and inclusion within their research environment (maximum of 500 words).

Submission Instructions

All application materials must be compiled into a single PDF and submitted via email to ohbm.aus@gmail.com with Emerging Leadership Award in subject line by the deadline of 30 September 2024.