The External Awards and Recognition Office supports University of Iowa faculty in pursuing awards and honors from organizations outside the university. 

We partner with UI faculty, departments, and colleges to elevate faculty profiles on a national and international scale, enhancing the university's reputation and showcasing our faculty's achievements in research, creative scholarship, teaching, and service. 

External awards and honors represent valuable opportunities for faculty to enhance their scholarly reputation, garner additional funding, and expand the impact of their work. 

Our office provides tailored guidance and resources to align external award opportunities with faculty career goals. 

Humanities Grant Recent Awardee Panel Session

November 6

The Research Development Office is hosting a humanities virtual panel session on Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 9–10 a.m. Attendees will hear from accomplished external award recipients in the humanities regarding their experience with the application process, need-to-know information, plus much more.

Featured External Awards

Searle Scholars Program

Application open June 1 - September 30, 2024

The Searle Scholars Program supports the research of outstanding early-career scientists who have recently been appointed as assistant professors on a tenure-track appointment. The Searle Scholars Program supports high risk, high reward research across a broad range of scientific disciplines, such as biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, immunology, neuroscience, pharmacology, and related areas in chemistry, medicine, and the biological sciences. Grants are $300,000 for a three-year term.

ACLS Fellowship Program

Application open July 1 - September 25, 2024

The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) Fellowship program supports outstanding scholarship in the humanities and interpretive social sciences. The program will award up to 60 fellowships to scholars across all stages of the scholarly career, with approximately half of this year’s awards supporting early-career scholars. Maximum awards are worth $60,000 for six- to twelve-month research and/or writing fellowships. 

National Humanities Center Fellowship

Application open July 1 - October 3, 2024

Each year, the National Humanities Center welcomes up to forty scholars from across the humanities and all over the world.
During their time in residence, Fellows are given the freedom to work on their projects while benefiting from the services of the Center. Applicants must have a doctorate or equivalent scholarly credentials. Mid-career and senior scholars are encouraged to apply. Emerging scholars with a strong record of peer-reviewed work may also apply. 

News and Highlights

Nithyanand earns NSF CAREER Award

Pacheco named a 2024 Carnegie Fellow

Akbar, Brinkley receive Guggenheim Fellowship

4 UI faculty named AAAS fellows for 2023

Faculty Awards & Honors

Learn more about our exceptional faculty, which includes National Academy Members, Guggenheim Fellows, and national and international award winners.