Spark Award
Newly established in 2026, this award recognizes trainees at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
Eligibility
Two awards will be given – one to a trainee in a basic science program and one to a trainee in a clinical program.
The candidate must exhibit evidence of:
- Success as a role model and peer mentor for fellow trainees and students
- Leadership within training programs, student organizations, or at the university, regional, or national level (e.g., research presentations, committee participation, advocacy initiatives)
- Effort to influence or institute positive changes that improve the training environment and experience for all trainees at the KU Medical Center campus
- A steadfast commitment to enhanced collaboration and productive relationships with peers, faculty, staff, and the broader medical center community
Nomination Process
The call-for-nominations is sent out each spring. The award recipients will be announced at the August 18th WIMS Annual Event. The submission deadline for applications is 5:00pm on Friday, May 29, 2026. All required materials must be submitted via the 2026 REDCap Nomination form.
Contact Julianna Kinney with questions.
Required Nomination Materials
To self-nominate or to nominate a deserving individual, please submit the following required information via the REDCAP Nomination Form:
- Nomination letter – focusing on applicant’s meeting criteria of award. Nominations may be written by self, faculty or peer (either the nomination letter or letter of support must be from a KUMC faculty member). Please limit the letter to one page or less.
- Nominee's current CV
- One letter of support. May be from faculty member or peer (either nomination letter or letter of support must be from a KUMC faculty member). The most effective letters will address each criterion specifically.
Review the 2026 WIMS Awards Information (.doc) for additional information.
Incomplete nominations will not be considered by the WIMS Executive Council.