Dr. Connie Eaves Memorial Lectureship and Student Award

2025 – Dr. CLAUDIA FISCHBACH

James M & Marsha McCormick Director and Stanley Bryer 1946 Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering; Cornell University

2025 SBME Symposium Talk Title: “Tumor Engineering: Advancing Precision Medicine and Therapeutic Strategies”

2024 – Dr. Molly Shoichet

University Professor & Canada Research Chair, Tissue Engineering
Institute of Biomedical Engineering
University of Toronto

2024 SBME Symposium Talk Title: “Modeling Cancer for Target and Drug Discovery”

The successful nominee will receive a $10K cash prize and West Coast art memento. The successful nominee will also present their research at the SBME Symposium on June 2nd, 2026 at UBC in Vancouver BC.

Sep 1-Nov 3: Nomination Portal Open
Nov 3: Nomination Deadline
Nov 4-Nov 11: Adjudication
Nov 13: Results Announced

• Must hold a faculty position at a university or college
• Must have a demonstrated track record of excellence in research and mentorship in Biomedical Engineering or Bioengineering.
• Must be able to present their research in-person at the SBME Symposium on June 2nd, 2026 at UBC in Vancouver BC.

The letter of nomination should clearly explain why the nominee is an exceptional candidate for the Dr. Connie Eaves Memorial Lectureship for Women in Biomedical Engineering. Nominators are encouraged to focus on the following criteria:

• Research/Impact: Describe the significance, originality, and impact of the nominee’s research. Include specific examples of how their work has advanced the field of Biomedical Engineering, influenced policy, practice, or technology, or addressed societal challenges.

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): Highlight the nominee’s contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion within the field. This can include initiatives they have led or supported, efforts to create an inclusive research environment, and advocacy for underrepresented groups in Biomedical Engineering.

• Mentorship: Describe the nominee’s role in mentoring the next generation of scientists and researchers. Include details about any programs or initiatives they have developed or participated in to support emerging talent, as well as their impact on the career development of mentees.

• Leadership: Highlight the nominee’s leadership in their research area or the broader scientific community. Include any organizational roles, collaborative efforts, or significant contributions to advancing the field. Emphasize any advocacy for women in Biomedical Engineering and efforts to foster a more inclusive and equitable community.

You will be asked to upload a Nomination Package, which includes the following documents:

1. Letter of Nomination (max 3 pages)

2. Nominee CV (max 25 pages)

3. Reference Letters (1-2)

Self-nominations not permitted.

For any inquiries or clarifications regarding the application process, please contact Jocelyn McKay.

Please see award guidelines for complete information on timeline, nomination process, eligibility, formatting requirements, and adjudication.

Student Award Guidelines

2026 Timeline
April 13  –  Call for Nominations Launched
April 29  –  Nomination Deadline
By May 12 –  Result Announced
June 2 –  Recipient presents at the SBME Symposium

• Nominee must be currently enrolled as a PhD student, registered in UBC’s School of Biomedical Engineering, in the third year or later of their PhD program at the time of application. Nominees are expected to remain enrolled during the subsequent academic year and to participate in major SBME events in their role as an SBME “Ambassador.”
• Nominee must be nominated by an SBME faculty member (core, joint, or associate).
• Students who already hold a major award remain eligible and are are explicitly not disadvantaged in the competition.
• As of 2026, the Connies Eaves Memorial Student Award is open to all applicants (previously open only to women). We encourage nominations from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

Deadline: April 29^th, 2026, at 11:59 pm PT

Application package:

• Nominator Statement (Max 1 Page)
• Nominee Statement (Max 2 Pages)
• Nominee CV (no page limit)
  A pdf copy of one selected piece of research (e.g., publication, patent, etc.).

Formatting Guidelines:

• Pages must be 8 ½” x 11″ (216mm x 279mm);
• Citations (if any) do not count towards page limits
• Images and figures do count towards page limits
• Pages must be single-spaced, with no more than six lines of type per inch;
• All text must be in 12 pt Calibri font;
• Condensed fonts will not be accepted;
• Margins must be set at a minimum of ¾” (1.87 cm).

For any inquiries or clarifications regarding the application process, please contact Melody Salehzadeh, SBME Research Manager