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M. T. Thomas Award Call for Nominations

Rules & Eligibility: This award is made to one postdoctoral fellow who has utilized EMSL capabilities to make significant contributions on projects relevant to the EMSL mission. Postdoctoral fellows from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and outside of PNNL who have participated in research on an EMSL project are eligible for the award. A past recipient may not be nominated.

Selection of Recipient: Selection is based on significant scientific or technological accomplishment resulting from research performed by the postdoctoral fellow using EMSL resources during the past year (Calendar Year 2009). The accomplishment must be documented by submission of a nomination package. A selection committee composed of PNNL scientific staff reviews all packages and makes its recommendation to the EMSL Director. The criteria used in the selection process are as follows:

• creativity towards solving technological or scientific problems,
• relevance to the EMSL mission: EMSL, a U.S. Department of Energy national scientific user facility located at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Richland, Washington provides integrated experimental and computational resources for discovery and technological innovation in the environmental molecular sciences to support the needs of DOE and the nation,
• productivity measured by technology developed (software, instruments, patents), publications of scientific results, and/or presentations at meetings of peers.

Nominations: Nomination packages are to be coordinated by the appropriate University Advisor, or National Laboratory Technical Lead.

Nomination Package: Seven copies of the nomination package should be provided to the Selection Committee Chair, Robby Robinson. A nomination package must include the following:

• a cover sheet with the nominee's name, EMSL proposal #(s) associated with the research for which the individual is being nominated, and the nominator's contact information,
• a brief nominating statement from the University Advisor or National Laboratory Technical Lead (and co-sign by their appropriate management) outlining the nominee's accomplishments,
• nominee's curriculum vitae,
• three supporting letters from University Staff, National Laboratory staff, and/or other qualified external experts (see Guidelines for Supporting Letters below),
• a one to two page write-up by the nominee detailing their accomplishments,
• material that documents the accomplishment (e.g., manuscripts, publications [up to three significant papers], patents, presentation materials).

Guidelines for Supporting Letters: The following guidelines should be made available to the three individuals who write supporting letters for the nominee:

• Letters of support should address the evaluation criteria and be no longer than 500 words.
• Specific identification of the work to be recognized and an evaluation of the nominee's accomplishment should be included.
• Supporting material should be identified.
• For collaborative work, the nominee's contribution should be specified.
• Letters of support should be sent directly to the nominator for inclusion in the nomination package.

Timetable for Nominations and Award:
While sending a letter-of-intent is not required, sending an email is encouraged for planning and follow-up purposes. Nominations are due to the Selection Committee Chair, Robby Robinson (509-371-6341) by 5pm West Coast time March 31, 2010. The date for the seminar and award presentation will occur as soon as it can be conveniently scheduled.

Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory
Phone: 509.371.6003
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Last Updated: February 2010