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.
EARO Year in Review
In 2025, the External Awards and Recognition Office (EARO) broadened national engagement, supported a record number of high-impact nominations, and strengthened strategic partnerships to elevate faculty recognition across campus. EARO supports UI faculty in pursuing awards and honors from organizations outside the university.
Featured External Awards
Beckman Young Investigator Program
The Beckman Young Investigator (BYI) Program provides around $600,000 in research support to promising young faculty members in the early stages of their academic careers in the chemical and life sciences, particularly to foster the invention of methods, instruments, and materials that will open up new avenues of research in science.
Searle Scholars
The Searle Scholars Program provides three-year, $450,000 grants to support the research of outstanding early-career scientists who have recently been appointed as assistant professors on a tenure-track appointment. The program supports high risk, high reward research across a broad range of scientific disciplines. Individuals must be nominated by their institution to apply.
ACLS Fellowships
The American Council of Learned Societies fellowship program provides up to $60,000 of support for six to 12 months of full-time research and/or writing for humanities or social sciences scholars. Up to 60 fellowships are awarded to scholars across all stages of their career, with approximately half of the awards supporting early-career scholars.
News and Highlights
Faculty Awards & Honors
Learn more about our exceptional faculty, which includes National Academy Members, Guggenheim Fellows, and national and international award winners.