Graduate Studies CoMH: Postgraduate Research Student Awards 2026

Call for Nominations

This awards scheme celebrates the outstanding achievements of Postgraduate Research (PGR) students in the College of Medicine and Health. It provides a formal process to recognise the wide range of contributions made by our students to research, innovation, collaboration, and engagement. In line with the principles of responsible research assessment, including those promoted by the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA), the awards recognise excellence based on the quality, rigour, openness, and relevance of research and its contributions to health, science, and society. Six award categories recognise the achievements of both Doctoral and MSc (Research) students registered in the College of Medicine and Health at University College Cork. 

Nominees

• All Doctoral (PhD and MD) and MSc (research) students registered in the College of Medicine and Health.

Nominators

• Self-nominations and nominations by CoMH peers and supervisors are accepted.
• UCC Staff members, current and/or past postgraduate research students in CoMH are invited to submit nominations.
• Individuals can be nominated for more than one award, but a nomination of only one PGR student per category will be accepted.

Nomination is through the following links:

Postgraduate Researcher of the Year Award

Public Engagement Award

Research Output of the Year Award

Outstanding Peer of the Year Award

Promotion of Equality and Diversity Award

’Behind the Research’ Photographic Competition Award

Late nominations will not be accepted. A selection panel will review the nominations based on research-related activities between October 2024 – September 2025. Successful awardees will be announced at the on Monday 15th June 2026 at an awards ceremony that will be held in the Dora Allman in conjunction with the annual CoMH Graduate Studies Summer Social Event organised by the CoMH Postgraduate Research Student Committee.

Nomination deadline: 5pm on Friday 15^th May 2026.

Postgraduate Researcher of the Year Award

This award recognises the outstanding achievements and contributions of a Postgraduate Research (PGR) student (Doctoral or MSc Research) within their research field.

Postgraduate Researcher of the Year Award

Evaluation Criteria:

This award will be presented to a PGR student who demonstrates outstanding achievements in the following areas:

• Excellence in research and scholarly contribution i.e.
  Evidence of high-quality research achievements appropriate to the student’s stage of study. Examples may include research outputs, methodological advances, contributions to collaborative projects, or recognition through awards or funding.
• Communication and dissemination of research i.e.
  Demonstration of a commitment and capacity to communicate the nature and significance of their research both within and beyond academia (e.g. conferences, seminars, public engagement, outreach activities, or engagement with industry or policy stakeholders).
• Engagement with the research community and external stakeholders i.e.
  Evidence of collaboration, engagement with external partners, or contribution to research activities that extend beyond the student’s immediate project (where applicable).
• Leadership potential and contribution to research culture i.e.
  Demonstration of initiative, mentorship, collaboration, or activities that contribute positively to the research environment and community.

Public Engagement Award

This award recognises the contribution by a PGR student who has taken an active approach in communicating and engaging with the public to maximise the impact of their research.

Public Engagement Award

Evaluation Criteria:

This award will be presented to a PGR student who demonstrates outstanding achievements in the following:

• Effective communication of the relevance and impact of their research beyond academia.
• Demonstration of the use of innovative methods to communicate research in both an understandable and engaging fashion.
• Involvement of the public in research (public-patient involvement, co-creation, citizen science)
• Evidence of raising public awareness of the value of their research to society and/or to influencing policy.
• Demonstrated commitment to sustainable community engagement programmes and partnerships

Research Output of the Year Award

This award recognises an outstanding research output produced by a Postgraduate Research (PGR) student while registered in the College of Medicine and Health. The output may take a variety of forms and should demonstrate excellence in research quality, rigour, and contribution to health, science, or society. Examples of eligible research outputs include (but are not limited to):

• Peer-reviewed research articles or reviews (including systematic reviews and meta-analyses)
• Datasets or curated research resources
• Software, tools, or analytical pipelines
• Clinical guidelines or policy reports
• Methodological advances or protocols
• Public engagement outputs communicating research findings
• Other research outputs that demonstrably advance knowledge, practice, or health outcomes

Research Output of the Year Award

Evaluation Criteria:

This award will be presented to a PGR student whose research output demonstrates:

• Quality and rigour of the research output e. Strength of the research design, methodology, and overall contribution to advancing knowledge.
• Contribution to health, science, or society e. Relevance or potential impact for health, clinical practice, policy, or wider society.
• Innovation, openness, or contribution to research culture e. Novel approaches, interdisciplinary work, open science practices, or outputs that support the wider research community

Outstanding Peer of the Year Award

This award recognises a PGR student who consistently displays characteristics valued and appreciated by other students and colleagues.

Outstanding Peer of the Year Award

Evaluation Criteria:

This award will be presented to a PGR student who demonstrates outstanding achievements in the following:

• A spirit of collaboration, collegiality, and kindness.
• A willingness to assist and support colleagues and/or other students that is above and beyond expectations.
• Contributions which have made a positive impact on morale within the research team, department/unit, UCC and beyond.

Promotion of Equality and Diversity Award

This award recognises a PGR student who has demonstrated an active commitment to promoting equality and diversity in their research activities. 

Promotion of Equality and Diversity Award

Evaluation Criteria:

This award will be presented to a PGR student who demonstrates outstanding achievements in the following:

• Evidence of encouraging inclusive participation and eliminating discrimination.
• Evidence of activities promoting equality and diversity.
• Commitment to the values of equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging beyond the expectations of their role/project.

‘Behind the Research’ Photographic Competition Award

Recognises a creative submission that captures an insight into the processes, environments, and experiences behind postgraduate research in the College.

Entries include:

• one image
• a short reflection describing the research context.

Focus: the human side of research and the research journey.

Evaluation Criteria

The award will be presented to a submission that provides meaningful insight into the processes, environments, or experiences that underpin postgraduate research in the College of Medicine and Health. The selection panel will consider:

• the extent to which the image and accompanying reflection capture an authentic aspect of the postgraduate research journey.
• the creativity and originality of the submission, including how effectively the visual element conveys the context of research and the environment in which it takes place.
• the accompanying written reflection for clarity, insight, and its ability to provide thoughtful context for the image and its connection to postgraduate research.

Submission Guidelines  

• Submissions should include one image and a short reflection (maximum 200 words).
• The reflection should provide context and insight into the research process represented in the image.
• Images may depict research environments, equipment, collaboration, or moments from the research process.

Entries must:

• Not include identifiable patients, research participants, or confidential research material
• Comply with research ethics, data protection, and laboratory/clinical safety requirements
• Respect the dignity and privacy of individuals

Submission Form