Tom Horvath MIRECC-CoE High Impact Researcher Award

Tom Horvath MIRECC/CoE High Impact Researcher Award

OVERVIEW

The Tom Horvath MIRECC/CoE High Impact Researcher Award recognizes outstanding achievements in clinical and translational research. Recipients of this award are recognized for their continued persistence and passion in advancing research for the treatment of diseases and disorders in the Veteran population. These researchers have received national and international acclaim for their research, allowing a spotlight to be shined on the mission of the MIRECC/CoE and highlighting the MIRECC/CoE mission of generating new knowledge about the causes and treatments of mental disorders, applying new findings to model clinical programs, and widely disseminating new findings through education to improve the quality of veterans’ lives.

Recipients of the High Impact Researcher Award are not only recognized for a single, exceptionally influential contribution but are also chosen based on the whole of their research. Their sustained contributions have been essential in improving the evaluation, treatment, and overall outcomes of Veterans’ health care. The research recognized by the High Impact Researcher Award should reflect influential scientific efforts that positively impact the delivery of care for Veterans. This may include, but is not limited to, clinical, rehabilitation, health services, or implementation science research. Additionally, the recipient mentors and provides opportunities for fellows and early career researchers.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To be eligible for the Tom Horvath MIRECC/CoE High Impact Researcher Award, nominees must meet all the following requirements:

1. VA Employment Status. Is a minimum of 5/8^th VA employee with an affiliation with a MIRECC/CoE.
2. Active Funding History. Has a minimum of 10 cumulative years serving as PI or Study Chair of funded research and/or evaluation.
3. Current Researcher. Has performed research at a VA facility for at least the previous 5 years.
4. First-time Awardee. Has not previously received the Tom Horvath MIRECC/CoE High Impact Researcher Award.

NOMINATION/REVIEW PROCESS

• Can be nominated by a peer or nominate themselves using the application available here.
• Applications must be submitted to noosha.niv@va.gov by December 1^st.
• Dr. Niv will do a first pass to ensure eligibility and disseminate applications to members of the review committee.
• Members of the review committee will rate the candidates using the criteria below on a scale of 1-5. Reviews are due to Dr. Niv by January 1^st.
• The review committee will meet in January to select the winner.
• The award will be presented at the in-person MIRECC meeting in the Spring.

TOM HORVATH MIRECC/CoE HIGH IMPACT RESEARCH AWARD CRITERIA

1. Research Impact. Relevance of the nominee’s research to the MIRECC’s mission of improving Veteran care, including, but not limited to, basic, clinical, behavioral, methodological, health systems, or implementation research important to Veteran’s health. Reviewers look for examples of activities that had a measurable impact on advancing Veterans’ mental health care.
2. Mentoring and Training. Evidence of the overall extent and quality of the nominee’s mentoring and training of graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and early career VA scientists, and specifically the nominee’s contributions to clinical scientists’ efforts in successfully obtaining awards/grants and publishing peer-reviewed papers.
3. Other Notable Considerations/Impacts. Has an extensive record of active collaboration and support of research throughout the enterprise, has shown responsiveness to operational partners, enhanced the visibility and reputation of the MIRECCs/CoEs, promoted MIRECC culture, and served as an ambassador for the Centers.

HIGH IMPACT AWARD DETAILS

The Tom Horvath MIRECC/CoE High Impact Researcher Award consists of an award, the knowledge that the recipient is awesome and appreciated, and 8 hours of comp time.

return to top