The David Burgess Award for Excellence in Inclusivity

About the Award

The David Burgess Award for Excellence in Inclusivity recognizes a scientist who has a track record of excellence in research or serves a critical role in fostering cell biology research, and has demonstrated the importance of inclusion and diversity in science through mentoring, cultural change, outreach, or community service. The award also recognizes David Burgess’ contributions to our understanding of the cytoskeleton and cytokinesis and his work on diversity and inclusion.

This award is made possible by an endowment from the Burgess Family.

Award Details

The recipient will be invited to give a virtual award talk, be recognized during the Keynote Session at the 2024 Cell Bio meeting, and receive complimentary registration to the meeting. They will also be presented with a plaque, and an award of $3,000 to be used at their discretion to support future inclusivity activities.

Who is Eligible

An ASCB member who has a strong track record in research or a professional who serves a critical role in fostering cell biology and related life sciences research who has made an impact by encouraging a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment through mentoring, cultural change, outreach, or community service.

Selection Criteria

• Candidate’s contributions to cell biology research
• Candidate’s demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Candidate’s contributions to achieving additional areas of the ASCB mission

How to Apply

Application deadline: Submissions are now closed for 2024.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Candidates may either self-apply or be nominated. If you are nominating another person please obtain all required documentation from the candidate prior to proceeding.

1. A biosketch that follows the NIH (or similar format), no longer than 5 pages.
2. A narrative statement of no more than 2 pages that focuses on the candidate’s research achievements as well as indicating their contributions to one or more other areas of ASCB’s mission: Advocating sound research policies, improving education, promoting professional development, or increasing diversity in the scientific workforce. The statement should be written by the candidate.
3. Two letters of support, neither longer than 2 pages. At least one of the supporting letters must be from someone who is neither a collaborator, former trainee, nor mentor of the candidate; and who is at a different institution than the candidate.  The letters of support should explicitly address whether a nominee’s professional conduct over their career embodies the principles and expectations noted in the Community Code of Conduct and Honorific Code of Conduct.

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Please Note

1. ASCB wants to ensure that the pool of award candidates is as diverse and inclusive as possible. The demographic questions are for internal reporting only and are not viewable by award reviewers. The questions are not mandatory, however we would appreciate your responses so that we can assess our level of inclusivity.
2. As a founder of the Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) ASCB does not use journal impact factors or other journal-based metrics in the evaluation process for its awards. ASCB looks at an individual’s research contributions and impact on the field, rather than the prestige of the journals where work is published.

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