Center for Malaria and Vector-Borne Diseases (CMVBD) Awards Program

CMVBD Awards will celebrate excellence within the Center’s community by recognizing individuals who embody scientific innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to training the next generation of researchers in malaria and vector-borne diseases.

These awards aim to:

  • Highlight outstanding contributions across career stages
  • Strengthen a culture of mentorship and collaboration
  • Increase visibility of emerging and established leaders within CMVBD

CMVBD Rising Star Award

To recognize an early-stage investigator who demonstrates exceptional promise and commitment to advancing malaria and vector-borne disease research, public health practice, or policy impact.

Eligibility:

  • Early-stage investigator (Postdoctoral Scholar, Instructor, Assistant Professor, or Staff Researcher within 10 years of terminal degree)
  • Affiliated with CMVBD

Selection criteria:

  • Scientific excellence and innovation
  • Commitment to collaboration (within and/or beyond CMVBD)
  • Potential for future leadership in the field
  • Agree to serve as Co-Chair of next Annual Research Symposium with CMVBD Mentorship Awardee, and with support from planning committee and CMVBD Co-Directors

Recognition:

  • Award certificate
  • Featured seminar or presentation at a CMVBD convening
  • Highlight on CMVBD website and communications
  • Acknowledgement at CMVBD annual research symposium
  • Co-Chair of next CMVBD annual research symposium (with CMVBD Mentorship Awardee)

CMVBD Mentorship Award

To recognize a mid- to late-career investigator who demonstrates sustained excellence in mentorship and a strong commitment to training the next generation of vector-borne disease researchers.

Eligibility:

  • Associate or full Professor (or equivalent experience and seniority)
  • Demonstrated track record of mentoring students, trainees, and/or junior faculty or staff researchers
  • Affiliated with CMVBD

Selection criteria:

  • Quality and impact of mentorship
  • Commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive research environments
  • Contributions to trainee career development and advancement
  • Evidence of mentee success (publications, grants, career progression)
  • Agree to serve as Co-Chair of annual research symposium with CMVBD Rising Star Awardee, and with support from planning committee and CMVBD Co-Directors

Recognition:

  • Award certificate
  • Featured profile or interview
  • Acknowledgment at CMVBD annual research symposium
  • Co-Chair of next CMVBD annual research symposium (with CMVBD Rising Star Awardee)

Nomination Process

Who can nominate:

  • CMVBD investigators, trainees, and collaborators
  • Self-nominations permitted

Nomination materials:

  • Nomination letter (1 page maximum)
  • CV or biosketch of nominee
  • For the Mentorship Award: Please submit 2–3 trainee statements of support. Each statement should include (1) the trainee’s name and relationship with the nominee, (2) qualities the nominee demonstrates that make them a good mentor, and (3) how the nominee’s mentoring has impacted the trainee’s education, training, or career. Each statement should be 200 words max and we may share excerpts from these statements with the community if your nominee is selected. Please submit all statements together with the other nomination materials.

Please submit the above materials to CMVBD@ucsf.edu by Friday, August 28.

Selection Process

Review committee:

  • CMVBD Co-Directors, at least for the initial award cycle
  • We will include at least one prior awardee in future cycles

Evaluation approach:

  • We will use a standardized scoring rubric aligned with award criteria

Decision-making:

  • Top candidates will be discussed in committee meeting
  • Final selection by consensus or majority vote
  • We will have an option to withhold award if criteria are not met