OR Innovation Awards (ORIA)
The Office for Research Innovation Awards (ORIA) program exemplifies the organization's commitment to fostering a culture of creativity and continuous improvement. This initiative honors staff whose innovative efforts have significantly impacted operations, partnerships, and community building. There is also an open category to recognize impactful innovations not covered by these first three areas, ensuring that any remarkable contribution can be recognized.
2025 Nominations
Open February 10 - May 1, 2025
ELIGIBILITY AND SELECTION PROCESS
Benefits-eligible staff, including postdocs, below the director level with at least one year of continuous employment at the university and no active disciplinary actions, are eligible for nomination. Individuals and teams may be nominated; teams must consist of two or more eligible staff and may be from different OR units.
Previous award winners may be nominated again, however, indindividuals or teams may not win awards in consecutive years.
The OR Innovation Awards Committee will review all nominations and recommend winners to Vice President for Research Eric Perreault.
NOMINATIONS
Complete a nomination form to recognize an individual staff member or team. There are no limitations on the number of nominations a staff member may submit or receive. Nominations should include: 1. A clear description of the nominee's innovation and its significance. 2. The impact and benefits of the innovation. 3. How the innovation demonstrates excellence in one of the following categories:
AWARDS
Winners will receive a one-time $1,000 cash prize. Team winners will share the award equally. All nominees and winners will be recognized by VP Eric Perreault at an annual innovation awards event.
For questions, contact Darrick Northington, Manager of Employee Lifecycle and Staff Recognition, at darrick@northwestern.edu.