RSI Recognition Awards

This award is to recognize RSI faculty members who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to the training, mentorship, and experience of graduate students at RSI.  This award is restricted to Faculty in the early stages of their career within 8 years of their initial SGS Graduate Faculty Membership (GFM), including a GFM elsewhere, as of December of application year. Characteristics demonstrated by the nominees include but not limited to:

• Objective evidence of graduate student outcomes (ex; students with high quality publications, students with timely completion of degree etc.)
• Enthusiastic and constructive appraisal of students’ work
• Timely assessment of students’ research programs including advisory committee meetings and prompt turnaround of written work
• Careful attention to the critical path laid out for students’ program of study, learning, and research
• Mentorship and advising on career matters (ex; academic/career options, CV preparation)
• Fostering an equitable learning environment 
• Respectful of student well-being and wellness

Letter of nomination from at least one current or recent RSI graduate student. Group nominations are encouraged. Nomination can be supported by faculty members. One letter. Maximum 2 pages.

Abridged CV (max 10 pages) which includes a full description of the contribution to graduate supervision and accomplishments relevant to the award eligibility criteria, including:

• a list of graduate students supervised (dates, thesis title, and student’s awards, and follow-up post-graduation (if available)
• a list of publications with the graduate student’s name identified (e.g., underlined, bolded, asterisk)
• relevant graduate teaching including graduate training workshops etc. 
• relevant teaching and research awards

A short biosketch of candidate (max 150 words – suitable for public release). Additional short paragraph may be included with the biosketch related to teaching and accomplishments relevant to the award.

DEADLINE: April 17, 2026
DOCUMENTS:

Nomination Form^*                                                                                                                                       _{*Nominators must be logged in using their U of T email address to access the form}

This award is to recognize RSI faculty members who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to the training, mentorship, and experience of graduate students at RSI and beyond.  This award is restricted to mid-career or senior faculty who are beyond eight years since their initial SGS Graduate Faculty Membership (GFM) appointment, including a GFM held elsewhere, as of December of the application year. Characteristics demonstrated by the nominees include but not limited to:

• Sustained record of excellence in graduate supervision, reflected in a consistent track record of mentoring multiple graduate students through to successful degree completion (ex; students with high quality publications, students with timely completion of degree etc.)
• Demonstrated long-term mentorship impact, including former trainees progressing to successful careers in academia, clinical practice, industry, or other leadership roles
• Leadership in graduate mentorship beyond one’s own trainees, such as mentoring post-docs/ junior supervisors, contributing to graduate training initiatives, or supporting the development of mentoring practices within RSI
• Careful attention to student progress including timely assessment of students’ research programs including advisory committee meetings and prompt turnaround of written work
• Thorough consideration of the critical path laid out for students’ program of study, learning, and research
• Intentional focus (including funding) on students’ professional development activities (e.g., scientific conferences, workshops, exchange opportunities)
• Mentorship and advising on career matters (ex; academic/career options, CV preparation)
• Fostering an equitable learning environment 
• Respectful of student well-being and wellness

Letter of nomination from at least one current or recent RSI graduate student. Group nominations are encouraged. Nomination can be supported by faculty members. One letter. Maximum 2 pages.

Abridged CV (max 10 pages) which includes a full description of the contribution to graduate teaching and accomplishments relevant to the award eligibility criteria, including:

• a list of graduate students supervised (dates, thesis title, and student’s awards, and follow-up post-graduation (if available)
• a list of publications with the graduate student’s name identified (e.g., underlined, bolded, asterisk)
• relevant graduate teaching including graduate training workshops etc. 
• relevant teaching and research awards
• relevant contributions to RSI in the area of graduate student training and mentorship

A short biosketch of candidate (max 150 words – suitable for public release). Additional short paragraph may be included with the biosketch related to teaching and accomplishments relevant to the award.

DEADLINE: April 17, 2026
DOCUMENTS:

Nomination Form ^*                                                                                                                                       _{*Nominators must be logged in using their U of T email address to access the form}

This award is to recognize RSI faculty members who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to teaching of the required or elective courses solely or jointly administered by RSI. Characteristics exemplified by the nominees include but not limited to:

• Significant contribution to graduate student learning
• Inspiring students
• Creating an equitable environment for learning
• Enthusiastic, timely and constructive appraisal of students’ work
• Consideration of student well-being and wellness

Nominations must be initiated by at least one current or recent RSI graduate student. Group nominations are encouraged. Nomination can be supported by faculty members.

DEADLINE: April 17, 2026
DOCUMENTS:

Nomination Form ^*                                                                                                                                       _{*Nominators must be logged in using their U of T email address to access the form}

This award is to recognize an outstanding service contribution to vision and mission of RSI through dedicated service contribution. Both staff members and RSI faculty members will be considered for this award. Characteristics exemplified by the nominees will include but not limited to:

• Leadership and contribution to an RSI standing committee, working group or special task force/activity, leading to a significant change in the workings of the institute, faculty engagement, and overall improvement in the overall function of the faculty and students.

Example of recognized activities may include:

• Promotion of RSI initiatives
• Recruitment of graduate students
• Assistance with advancement and fundraising
• External promotion of RSI
• Creation of a positive work environment within RSI.

Nominations can be initiated and supported by faculty or staff members as well as RSI graduate students. One letter of nomination that includes a brief description of the nominee’s service contribution and impact(s).  Maximum 2 pages.

DEADLINE: April 17, 2026
DOCUMENTS:

Nomination Form ^*                                                                                                                                       _{*Nominators must be logged in using their U of T email address to access the form}

This award is to recognize an appointed staff or faculty of the RSI who have been mentoring a colleague(s) for a sustained period of time. Characteristics exemplified by the nominees include but not limited to:

• Demonstrates mentorship characteristics including being supportive, collegial, serving as a sounding board for problem solving, sharing experiences, providing learning opportunities, being accessible, motivating, and providing valuable guidance regarding career advancement and personal growth.

Nominators of this award are mentees/protégées junior or mid-career RSI faculty members whose professional development has benefited from this relationship.

DEADLINE: April 17, 2026
DOCUMENTS:

Nomination Form ^*                                                                                                                                       _{*Nominators must be logged in using their U of T email address to access the form}