The Convergence Awards represent one of the University of Arizona’s highest recognitions for interdisciplinary research achievement, honoring the faculty, staff and external partners whose work exemplifies the university’s commitment to inquiry, innovation and societal impact. Hosted by the Office of Research and Partnerships, this annual recognition program celebrates the individuals and teams advancing transformative research and creative activity across disciplines, sectors and communities.
As a convergence hub, the University of Arizona brings together diverse expertise to address complex challenges facing our state, nation and world. The Convergence Awards highlight those who demonstrate exceptional leadership in this mission by cultivating collaborative approaches, generating new knowledge, and accelerating solutions that expand the reach and relevance of the university’s research enterprise.
Through these awards, we recognize and elevate the people whose contributions strengthen our institutional excellence and advance the university’s role as a driver of discovery and meaningful change.
Nomination Instructions for Faculty Awards
Any U of A faculty or staff member, academic program, department or unit may submit a nomination. Each entity may submit one nomination in each category per year. Nominations submitted on behalf of a group should designate one person as the primary nominating individual responsible for assembling the nomination packet. All nominees must be listed in the nomination packet, and no additional team members will be added after submission. Self-nominations are not allowed. Former winners are not eligible for nomination in the same category but can be nominated in a different award category.
Nominations must be submitted electronically via Arizona Cultivate. The nomination packet must include in the following documents uploaded as PDFs:
- A summary statement that describes the impact and significance of the nominee’s research or creative activity and justifies the nomination. Maximum length: two pages.
- The nominee’s curriculum vitae or resume.
- One letter of support describing a specific impact or focus area of importance of the nominee’s work. Include a brief statement of the letter writer’s expertise and relationship, if any, to the nominee. Maximum length: two pages.
Review Process
Selection committees consisting of faculty and/or staff are appointed by the senior vice president for research and partnerships. The committees’ final recommendations are submitted to the senior vice president for research and partnerships for approval in consultation.
Award Announcement
Award recipients will be notified by the Office of Research and Partnerships prior to the award ceremony.
Honors a faculty member whose outstanding contributions advance knowledge and innovation across biomedical research and its translation to clinical practice.
Honors a faculty member whose exceptional research achievements deepen knowledge and drive discovery in the physical and natural sciences.
Honors a faculty member whose impactful research and innovation translate scientific and engineering principles into practical solutions benefiting society.
Honors a faculty member whose outstanding research contributions advance understanding of human behavior, education, culture and social systems to address real-world challenges.
Honors a faculty member whose outstanding artistic achievement engages communities and advances knowledge to advance the vital role of the arts in shaping the world.
Honors a full-time staff member for exceptional support of research, laboratories, centers and institutes, or scholarly activities.
Recognizes faculty members who have had outstanding success in securing competitive external funding. (Grants of $3M+)
Honors an external partner (business, nonprofit, government agency or community organization) that advances university research through strategic collaboration, shared resources or co-developed initiatives.
Recognizes a current University of Arizona faculty member for their outstanding and enduring contributions to research and creative activity over the course of their career.
Award Timeline
December 1, 2025: The Office of Research and Partnerships will send out the solicitation for nominations.
February 4, 2026: Final nominations are due through online submission portal.
Mid-February: Selections are made.
March: Award recipients are announced.
Mid-April: Convergence awards reception is held.
Nomination FAQs
Nominations must be submitted electronically via Arizona Cultivate.
One letter of support describing a specific impact or focus area of importance of the nominee’s work. Include a brief statement of the letter writer’s expertise and relationship, if any, to the nominee. Maximum length: two pages. (Note: The letter of support can have multiple authors.)
You may submit ONE letter of recommendation (maximum length: two pages) along with a summary statement that describes the impact significance of the nominee’s research or creative activity and justifies the nomination (maximum length: two pages) for a total of four pages.
Any U of A faculty or staff member, academic program, department or unit may submit a nomination. Any member of the University of Arizona faculty or staff may be nominated. External partners can be nominated in appropriate categories.
Award recipients will be chosen by a selection committee consisting of faculty and/or staff appointed by the senior vice president for research and partnerships. The committees’ final recommendations are submitted to the senior vice president for research and partnerships for approval in consultation.
Multiple people can sign the letter of support but all must be contained to one letter of recommendation. One individual must be identified by the group as the primary nominator.