In an effort to continue APS’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism, the Awards committee worked closely with the Anti-racism Task Force to ratify the application process for the Herbert Weiner Early Investigator Award to better reflect the values of APS. Approved by Council, these changes to the application process will go into effect this coming cycle (2023 award):
- All nominations for the Herbert Weiner Early Career Award henceforth should be self-nominations and include a statement from the nominee.
Reason for the change: In the past self-nominees may have been received less favorably by the committee than more well-connected, sponsored nominations. Minority group membership may be disproportionately represented among self-nominees, as they may, for systemic reasons, have less access to connections to get support from more senior colleagues.
- Applications should be accompanied by a single referee letter, although this can have multiple signatories
Reason for the change: This referee letter will offer additional information from an observer of the candidate that may not be captured by the self-statement. However, the authorship of the letter will be blinded to the Awards committee until after reviewing to prevent unintentional bias of being swayed by referees who are highly esteemed by APS, as not all candidates may have access to these networks.
- Statements and CVs should include detail of involvement in and service to APS
Reason for the change: As this is an APS Early Career award, we are looking to reward and support those who are committed to this society (e.g., committee membership, presenting at the conference, publishing in the journal, reviewing Abstracts, participating in YIC and mentee-mentor receptions etc.).
- Statements and CVs should include detail of involvement in mentoring of and/or support of the furthering of others’ activities and careers, leadership potential, and teamwork.
Reason for the change: The values of APS reflect a commitment to teamwork, interdisciplinary excellence, and leadership capacity, as well as the core achievements of an excellent record of quality scientific publications, research activity and funding.
- Statements and CVs should include detail of the context surrounding the candidate’s contribution.
Reason for the change: Opportunities and obligations will vary by candidate. For example, some candidates may have a high service load formally and informally due to being a member of a minority group or other reasons. Providing this context in the self-statement and CV will allow the committee to consider their contribution in light of such differences in demand which may disproportionately affect output.
For more information and to apply, click here.