Vilas Researcher Awards provide $12,500 to be paid to the recipient over two years (July 1, 2024-June 30, 2026) in recognition of new and ongoing research of the highest quality and significance. UW-Madison academic staff with professorial titles who have permanent PI status or have been granted limited PI status are eligible for this award. This award can only be awarded once to any staff member.
These awards are funded through the generosity of the Trustees of the William F. Vilas Estate. Funding to support the awards comes through Research and Sponsored Programs. These awards are managed by the Office of the Provost.
Submitting a Nomination
Nomination Criteria
Strong nominations will address:
- The nominee’s current—and potential for future—excellence in research
- Quality and significance of the proposed research
Nomination Process
When there are funds available for a Vilas Researcher Award, the Office of the Provost will announce a call for nominations to initiate the selection process. The dean’s office submits nominations to the Office of the Provost.
- Create a single PDF file for each nomination that includes:
- A cover page with the nominee’s name, department, and school, college, or division. If more than one person is being nominated from the school or college, include rankings.
- A letter of nomination from the dean (2 to 3 pages). Please include a statement attesting to limited or permanent PI status for the nominee.
- The nominee’s current curriculum vitae.
- A research proposal written by the nominee. The research proposal should describe a single project relevant to the nominee’s field of study that can be accomplished within the 2-year award period. The proposed project can be part of a larger study, but it will be important for the nominee to specify the work to be done during the period of the Vilas Research Award funding. This proposal cannot exceed 4 double-spaced pages, not including references. Please note if IRB approval or IRB exemption may be needed. (See IRB Guidance on Defining Human Participant Research and When IRB Review May Not Be Required. For questions about whether your project requires IRB oversight, contact the IRB.)
- Name the PDF file “NomineeLastName-SchoolCollegeDivision-DateSubmitted” (for example, Smith-Education-2024-01-31.pdf).
- Upload the file to the Researcher Award Box folder.
Deadline
Deadline: October 10, 2024
Helpful Hints
Fund Management
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- Funds are managed by Research and Sponsored Programs
- The annual award period is July 1-June 30
- Extensions are not allowed.
Award Termination
- Funding for the award will terminate:
- At the end of the award term
- If the recipient resigns from the university. Funds will be prorated based on final date of employment. Note: account is closed and funds are returned following final date of employment.
- Upon granting of emeritus status. Funds will be prorated based on final date of employment.
- Schools, colleges, or divisions must notify the Office of the Provost of any change in status of a Vilas Researcher Award recipient via email at professorships@provost.wisc.edu.