The Office of the Vice-President, Research has launched an institutional Honours, Prizes, Awards and Distinctions (HPAD) program to expand Brock’s reputation for research excellence.

Led by newly appointed Research Award Program Facilitator Snežana Obradović-Ratković, who took on the role this summer, the program aims to encourage researchers to accept nominations, as well as nominate their colleagues, for these awards.

Nominations for researcher recognition from external organizations, such as the Royal Society of Canada, have been facilitated by the Office of Research Services (ORS) or by Faculty-level administrators and colleagues. With the new HPAD portfolio and initiatives, the University is developing a “strategic, comprehensive, systematic program to increase Brock’s research visibility and excellence,” says Obradović-Ratković.

Obradović-Ratković and her team are meeting with Faculty Deans, researchers and staff to encourage nominations, identify strong nominees, develop program guidelines and nomination processes, and establish a coaching framework to prepare high-quality nominations.

“My main responsibility at this point is to identify and maximize the number of successful nominations across the University,” she says. Obradović-Ratković has already created a database of dozens of awards from external sources that recognize research excellence.

“One of the most important things is to build awareness of Brock University as a centre of research excellence and make it visible locally, nationally and internationally, which is very exciting for me,” says Obradović-Ratković.

By incorporating a lens of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), as well as comprehensive engagement strategies in the nomination process, the HPAD program will support early career researchers, established researchers and research staff across the University.

Associate Vice-President, Research Deborah O’Leary notes that the HPAD program supports two key goals foundational to building research capacity across the University, as articulated in the Brock University 2018-2025 Strategic Plan.

“Through this program, we are nurturing a culture of research and creative achievement, and publicizing Brock research excellence that is overdue for wider recognition,” says O’Leary. “Honours, prizes, awards and distinctions add significance to the research impact Brock scholars have in all sectors of society, which is why we’re encouraging researchers to apply for these opportunities with our full support.”

Obradović-Ratković says receiving external recognitions will also help Faculty advance their career development.

Obradović-Ratković comes to the position from the Faculty of Education, where she was a Research Officer and Instructor for 17 years.

Faculty seeking information and supports for the HPAD program should contact Obradović-Ratković at x5233 or via email at sratkovic@brocku.ca