New award for UI faculty whose work manifests the spirit of intellectual collaboration & boundary-crossing inquiry

Today’s most urgent challenges—ranging from climate change and global health to the ethics of technological developments or cross-cultural understanding—cannot be adequately addressed within the confines of any single discipline. These grand challenges demand innovative approaches that draw upon a variety of fields, methodologies, and perspectives. The Obermann Interdisciplinary Achievement Award honors University of Iowa faculty at any rank whose work manifests this spirit of intellectual collaboration and boundary-crossing inquiry. 

More specifically, the award recognizes individuals or teams whose trajectories have engaged diverse disciplines to produce insights that would be unattainable within a single academic silo. These scholars cultivate collaborative work, fostering dialogue across academic fields and institutional units. Their research or creative work engages with foundational questions that resonate across society. 

By recognizing interdisciplinary excellence, the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies reaffirms its commitment to nurturing a scholarly environment where creativity and collaboration flourish.

Award

The honor carries a $2,000 award in the form of either a taxable special compensation payment or research funds. (In the case of case of teams, the $2,000 will be divided among the members, if special compensation is requested.) The awardee(s) will be featured in Obermann Center media and recognized at the annual Obermann Counterpoint event, where they will discuss their work in a public dialogue. 

One award will be given every academic year to a single faculty member or a research group. Research group awardees may consist of up to three faculty PIs.

Nomination and Selection Process

Nominations will be accepted from deans, associate deans, DEOs, and institute/center directors. These officials can solicit self-nominations.

The nomination package includes:

• a cover letter from the nominating official;
• two letters of support from colleagues in two different programs or organizations (these may come from within or outside of the University of Iowa);
• a CV and a statement of no more than two pages from the nominated faculty member(s), explaining the impact of their scholarly work and how they have engaged the public.

Nomination packages are due Monday, February 2, 2026, by 5:00 p.m.

The Obermann Center’s Advisory Board will serve as the selection committee. Winner(s) will be announced before the end of the spring semester. The public Counterpoint event will take place the following fall.

Nominate a colleague