Review Process, Criteria, & Decision

All submitted nominations will be reviewed by an Award Committee that possesses no connection with the nominees.

The Award Committee will assess each mentor in each category between 0 and 3 points. The maximum total number of points is 21 (across 7 categories). Points are assigned to the following:

1. Variety of mentees the mentor has supported
2. Time commitment and availability
3. Opportunities provided (e.g., field work, conferences, meetings, leadership opportunities, community interactions)
4. Career guidance and support
5. Helping ECRs with networking
6. APECS involvement
7. Additional information (e.g., mentor panels, workshops, webinars, originality of support/mentoring, etc.)

In order to fully recognize mentors' participation in early career research and APECS activities, one award will be handed out. The award winner will be publicly announced during the SCAR conference in August 2026 (where they will receive the award trophy in person if attending the conference) as well as on the APECS website and other APECS communication channels (mailing list and social media).