Awards

  • Purpose:
    This award recognizes outstanding contributions by an early to mid-career researcher in the field of RNA and nucleic acids. It celebrates individuals who have demonstrated significant impact through innovative research or translation. The award aims to highlight excellence in scientific achievement, leadership, and influence within the RNA and nucleic acids community.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Career Stage: Up to 10 years post-PhD (full-time equivalent), with allowances for career disruptions (e.g., parental leave, illness, or other circumstances).

    • Field: Research must focus on RNA and/or nucleic acids, encompassing academic, translational, or industry settings.

    • Contributions: Evidence of impactful research, including publications, patents, technology development, or translational outcomes.

    • Standing: Demonstrated national and/or international recognition in the field.

    • Membership: Open to A-RNA members. Members of the Board of Directors or office holders (excluding EMCR Committee members) are not permitted to apply/nominating at time where they serving on the Board or holding office. It is expected that the award recipient will be present at the A-RNA meeting at which the award is presented.

    • If awarded the A-RNA Early-Career Researcher Award you will not be eligible for publication awards

    Nomination Guidelines:

    • Nominations may be self-submitted or submitted by a colleague.

    • Each nomination must include:

      • A 1-page CV outlining the date of their PhD conferral, research achievements, funding, mentorship, outreach and leadership roles.

      • A 1-page list of the nominees 5 best career research/translational output, with a short context statement near each of them (max length 1 page).

      • A 1-page summary describing the nominee’s contributions and their significance to RNA and nucleic acids research.

      • A brief statement detailing career disruptions (if applicable, max ½ page).

    • Nominations should be submitted via to a-rna@asnevents.net.au by the published deadline.

    • Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.

    Award Details:

    • One award will be presented annually (at the discretion of the Board of Directors).

    • Review and selection will be undertaken by the Board of Directors (or delegates as required due to COI).

    • The recipient will receive a certificate of recognition, complimentary meeting registration and an invitation to deliver an oral presentation at the A-RNA annual meeting

    • Submission due by 11 May 2026 - EXTENDED to 18 May 2026

    • Outcomes will be notified by 30 June 2026

  • Purpose:
    This award recognizes outstanding contributions by an early to mid-career researcher in the field of RNA and nucleic acids. It celebrates individuals who have demonstrated significant impact through innovative research or translation. The award aims to highlight excellence in scientific achievement, leadership, and influence within the RNA and nucleic acids community.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Career Stage: Up to 10-20 years post-PhD (full-time equivalent), with allowances for career disruptions (e.g., parental leave, illness, or other circumstances).

    • Field: Research must focus on RNA and/or nucleic acids, encompassing academic, translational, or industry settings.

    • Contributions: Evidence of impactful research, including publications, patents, technology development, or translational outcomes.

    • Standing: Demonstrated national and/or international recognition in the field.

    • Membership: Open to A-RNA members. Members of the Board of Directors or office holders (excluding EMCR Committee members) are not permitted to apply/nominating at time where they serving on the Board or holding office. It is expected that the award recipient will be present at the A-RNA meeting at which the award is presented.

    • If awarded the A-RNA Mid-Career Researcher Award you will not be eligible for publication awards

    Nomination Guidelines:

    • Nominations may be self-submitted or submitted by a colleague.

    • Each nomination must include:

      • A 1-page CV outlining the date of their PhD conferral, research achievements, funding, mentorship, and leadership roles.

      • A 1-page list of the nominees 10 best career research/translational output, with a short context statement near each of them (max length 1 page).

      • A 1-page summary describing the nominee’s contributions and their significance to RNA and nucleic acids research.

      • A brief statement detailing career disruptions (if applicable, max ½ page).

    • Nominations should be submitted via email to a-rna@asnevents.net.au by the published deadline.

    • Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.

    Award Details:

    • One award will be presented annually (at the discretion of the Board of Directors).

    • Review and selection will be undertaken by the Board of Directors (or delegates as required due to COI).

    • The recipient will receive a certificate of recognition, complimentary meeting registration and an invitation to deliver an oral presentation at the A-RNA annual meeting.

    • Submission due by 11 May 2026 - EXTENDED to 18 May 2026

    • Outcomes will be notified by 30 June 2026

  • Purpose:
    This award honours a senior researcher who has made exceptional and sustained contributions to RNA and nucleic acids research. It acknowledges individuals whose work has shaped the field through groundbreaking discoveries, leadership, and mentorship, spanning academic, translational, or industry domains.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Career Stage: More than 20 years post-PhD (full-time equivalent).

    • Field: Research must focus on RNA and/or nucleic acids, including fundamental science, applied research, or industry innovation.

    • Contributions: Evidence of a distinguished contribution to the RNA and/or nucleic acid fields marked by transformative research, leadership in collaborative initiatives, and mentorship of emerging scientists.

    • Standing: Internationally recognized authority in RNA and nucleic acids research, innovation or translation.

    • Membership: Open to A-RNA members. Members of the Board of Directors or office holders are not permitted to apply/nominating at time where they serving on the Board or holding office. It is expected that the award recipient will be present at the A-RNA meeting at which the award is presented.

    Nomination Guidelines:

    • Nominations may be submitted by peers; self-nominations are also accepted.

    • Each nomination must include:

      • A comprehensive CV highlighting major achievements, awards, and leadership roles.

      • A 1-page list of the nominees 10 best career research/translational output, with a short context statement near each of them (max length 1 page).

      • A 1-page impact statement summarizing the nominee’s influence on the field and contribution to the RNA/Nucleic Acid community in Australia and/or New Zealand.

    • Optional letters of support (maximum two, 1 page maximum each) may be included to strengthen the nomination.

    • Nominations should be submitted via email to a-rna@asnevents.net.au by the published deadline.

    • Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.

    Award Details:

    • One award will be presented annually (at the discretion of the Board of Directors).

    • Review and selection will be undertaken by the Board of Directors (or delegates as required due to COI).

    • The recipient will receive a certificate of recognition, complimentary meeting registration and an invitation to deliver an oral presentation at the A-RNA annual meeting.

    • Submission due by 11 May 2026 - EXTENDED to 18 May 2026

    • Outcomes will be notified by 30 June 2026

  • Purpose:

    This award supports early- and mid-career researchers (EMCRs), including higher degree research (HDR) students, to advance their research careers through attendance at national and international conferences, training workshops, and visits to relevant laboratories for collaboration. It provides an opportunity to share research, build collaborations, receive feedback, develop discipline-specific skills, and enhance research productivity and presentation experience.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Career Stage: A-RNA members with less than 10 years post-conferral of PhD as at 31 December 2026. Career disruptions will be taken into consideration.

    • HDR Students: Current higher degree research students are also encouraged to apply.

    • Membership: Applicants who are not currently A-RNA members must register for membership before the award closing date.

    • Eligible Activities: The award supports attendance at national or international conferences, training workshops, or visits to relevant laboratories for collaboration.

    • Eligible Expenditure: Registration, flights and accommodation.

    • Funding Period: Funds must be spent before 5 October 2027.

    Application Guidelines:

    • Applications must be submitted via the A-RNA EMCR Travel Award 2026 Application Form by the published deadline.

    • Applications will be assessed on:

      • Compliance with the eligibility criteria for the award.

      • The justification for the value of the travel opportunity to the applicant’s career.

      • The scientific merit of the research work to be presented or undertaken at the event.

    • Applications will be assessed by the A-RNA EMCR Committee, with due consideration of conflicts of interest.

    • Award winners will be approved by the A-RNA Board of Directors.

    • Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

    Award Details:

    • Two awards will be offered in 2026, each valued at up to $500.

    • The award is intended to recognise excellence in science through a meritorious travel award and support expenses associated with attending conferences, workshops, or other training activities.

    • Applications open on 10 August 2026.

    • Applications close on 7 September 2026.

    • Winners will be announced by 5 October 2026.

    • Award recipients must accept the award in writing and provide documentation confirming registration and acceptance at the relevant event, or written proof of contact with the laboratory they will be visiting.

    • The award must be used within the immediate 12 months following the offer of the award for the specified event.

    • Awardees must acknowledge A-RNA support when presenting research associated with the award and agree to publication of the award and report on A-RNA communication channels.

    • Awardees may be invited to participate in an A-RNA EMCR social media spotlight in the bi-annual newsletter.

    • All correspondence regarding the application and post-award requirements, other than disbursement, should be directed to a-rna@asnevents.net.au.