Dorsett L. Spurgeon MD Distinguished Medical Research Award

The Dorsett L. Spurgeon MD Distinguished Medical Research Award recognizes outstanding School of Medicine faculty in the early stage of their careers who have accomplished significant research achievements. A $5,000 award (pre-tax), supported by the Dr. Dorsett L. Spurgeon and Mary D. Spurgeon Trust will be presented at the Health Sciences Research Day in November 12, 2009, at the time of a public lecture.

Eligibility Requirements

A full time faculty member with a primary appointment (regular or non-regular) in the School of Medicine, who is advancing medical science through research, and who has not yet achieved the rank of associate professor at the time of nomination. The research should have great promise for achieving wide recognition of its significance.

Criteria For Evaluation

• Research productivity and evidence of scholarly achievement (publications, competitive external funding, invited presentations, etc.)
• Independent accomplishments at the University of Missouri
• Evidence of impact and promise of significance

Nomination Process and Guidelines For Evaluation

Stage I. Preliminary nominations:

A signed letter of nomination (2 page limit) providing an overview of the nominee's research to be considered for this award, and academic strengths, should accompany the nominee's biographical sketch and research synopsis. This letter must indicate that the nominee has been notified of the nomination and is willing to follow the evaluation and award process. The biographical sketch (NIH format) must include education/training information including institution and date of terminal degree; date of appointment and rank at MU; and a list of selected publications, invited presentations, grant support, and other scholarly activities relevant to the goal of this award.

The research synopsis (2 page limit) should describe the individual's research interests including work completed, work in progress and future goals, and its significance and impact.

Stage II. Finalist evaluation:

Members of the MU School of Medicine Research Council will review the preliminary nominations and recommend finalists for further consideration.

Finalists will be asked to submit a complete curriculum vitae and three letters of recommendation. The curriculum vita should include the date of terminal degree, special honors and prizes, invited presentations, symposia, editorial and review positions, national committees or panels, a complete list of publications and any other noteworthy achievement or activity. The letters of recommendation should be from individuals qualified to address the impact of the nominee's research on the field. These are expected to be from objective sources; at least one letter should be from a source external to the University of Missouri.

The evaluation will be made by the MU School of Medicine Research Council.

Submission

Completed nomination and application materials should be submitted to Dr. Jerry C. Parker, Associate Dean for Research, School of Medicine, MA204 Medical Sciences Building, University of Missouri-Columbia, Attention: Dorsett L. Spurgeon Award

Deadlines

• Stage I - preliminary nominations for the 2009 award must be received by 5:00 p.m., August 1.
• Stage II - materials, which will be requested from finalists, must be received by September 1.
• The award will be announced by mid-September, 2009.