Nominations are now closed for 2024 awards.
Bass Connections would not be possible without the creativity, intellectual vision, commitment to student mentoring and collaborative spirit of the faculty and staff who lead Bass Connections teams. These team leaders propose research projects, establish external partnerships, select and mentor student team members, and provide the intellectual direction for these projects.
The Bass Connections Leadership Award seeks to recognize outstanding team leaders for their efforts to create a positive and enriching team experience for students. The awardees will be recognized by Bass Connections and will receive a monetary prize. One to two awards (group or individual) will be given each year.
As Bass Connections is a collaborative endeavor, this award seeks to recognize faculty who successfully co-lead project teams. We therefore encourage group nominations that recognize and address the contributions of all faculty/staff leaders and address how they have worked collectively to support the success of the team. We also welcome nominations of just one team leader in instances in which a team only has one primary team leader (e.g., a primary faculty leader working in partnership with postdocs and/or graduate students, or a collection of faculty/staff contributors).
Please note that we have a separate award for graduate/professional student and postdoc leaders and mentors.
Nominations should be submitted using our nomination form by March 22 at 5 p.m.
Exemplary Bass Connections team leaders are those who:
- Provide a clear vision for the project, including encouraging and inspiring students to contribute to the development and execution of the project goals – thus finding a constructive balance between providing intellectual scaffolding and fostering student initiative
- Create a supportive and inclusive environment for research and scholarship by fostering a team culture of mutual respect and mentorship
- Encourage interdisciplinary learning by helping team members create connections across disciplines and model collaborative leadership practices
- Create space for constructive dialogue and feedback, and identify and address problems in a thoughtful, respectful manner
- Maintain accessibility by providing open lines of communication
- Commit to advancing students’ professional development by connecting them with information, resources and/or networks to support their individual growth
- Serve as role models for others, displaying a record of excellence in research and teaching
Eligibility and Nomination Information
The nominee(s) must be Duke faculty or staff member leading a 2023-2024 Bass Connections team. The nomination must be submitted by at least two current members of the same team, at least one of whom must be a student. If the team is continuing from a prior year, past team members may also submit a letter of support, so long as the nomination also includes at least two current team members.
The nomination consists of basic background information along with a letter of support from each nominator. Statements of support should include evidence and concrete examples of the nominee’s (or nominees’) exemplary mentorship and leadership. To submit a nomination, please complete the nomination form by March 22 at 5 p.m.
Please also note that past recipients of this award are not eligible to receive it again.
Award Selection
Award winners will receive a monetary prize and will be selected from a pool of up to five finalists. The selection committee will include members of the Interdisciplinary Strategy Council, Bass Connections Student Advisory Council and program staff. Finalists will be contacted by April 5 and the award winners will be announced in mid-April.
Please contact Laura Howes, Director of Bass Connections, with any questions.