This award recognizes published and unpublished research that contributes to the advancement of higher education sustainability. One award will be given in the first two categories, and four awards will be given in the published journal article category (Academics, Engagement, Operations, and Planning and Administration):
- Unpublished undergraduate research
- Unpublished graduate research
- Published journal article
Application Process
Authors can apply for a Campus Sustainability Research Award by submitting research to AASHE’s Campus Sustainability Hub. You will need to login to the Hub with an AASHE Account in order to submit. Published journal article submissions will be placed into their respective award category based on the sustainability topic that is selected on the submission form (e.g., a submission with a sustainability topic of Curriculum will be considered for the Academics Award).
Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis and due the third Friday in May. If you submit today, your research will be considered in the 2022 award season. If you have any questions, please email awards@aashe.org.
Timeline
| Submission/Nomination Deadline | Third Friday in May |
| Judging Underway | May – July |
| Submitters/Nominators Notified. Finalists Announced. | Mid-August |
| Winners Notified and Announced | Mid-September |
Prizes
Award winners receive:
- Recognition via a live virtual awards ceremony
- One complimentary pass to AASHE’s annual conference
- One plaque provided by Rivanna Natural Designs
- Recognition in Sustainability and Climate Change
Criteria
Applications will be evaluated by a panel of judges on the following criteria:
- Applicability – For what proportion of higher education institutions is the research relevant?
- Impact – How significantly can the lessons from the research contribute to improved sustainability performance?
- Racial equity and social justice – To what extent does the project reflect and/or contribute to racial equity and social justice?
- Methodology – Is the research methodology appropriate to answer the research question?
- Clarity and coherence – How easy is it to understand the research?
Eligibility
To be considered for a Campus Sustainability Research Award, submissions must be in English. Papers must have been completed (in the case of unpublished student research) or published within 12 months prior to the application deadline. Students who graduated within this period are still eligible for the student awards. Authors do not have to be associated with an AASHE member organization.