Early Career Abstract Recognition Award

The SHEA Early Career Abstract Recognition Award recognizes outstanding research by early-career professionals in healthcare epidemiology, infection prevention, and antimicrobial stewardship. Building on the SHEA Foundation’s previous support of the Epi Project Competition, the award expands opportunities to recognize and support the next generation of leaders in the field.

Awardees will receive a $500 travel stipend to help offset the cost of attending IDWeek, where they will be recognized for their outstanding abstracts during the SHEA Business Meeting. Selection is based on scientific quality, relevance, innovation, and potential impact on the fields of healthcare epidemiology, infection prevention, and antimicrobial stewardship, with research aligned with priorities identified in the SHEA Research Agenda for healthcare-associated infections and antibiotic stewardship.

Eligibility

  • Individuals currently in residency or fellowship, or within five years of completing fellowship, postdoctoral training, or a terminal degree.
  • Medical and graduate students are not eligible.
  • Applicants must not have previously received an R-, U-, or K-level federal award, or equivalent, as Principal Investigator (PI).
    • A VA Career Development Award (CDA) is considered equivalent to a K award.
    • A VA Merit Award (IIR) or QUERI grant is considered equivalent to an R01.
    • A VA Pilot Award is considered equivalent to an R03 or R21.
    • Receipt of an F- or T-level award is acceptable and does not exclude an applicant from being considered an early-career researcher.
  • Prior recipients of the Early Career Abstract Recognition Award are not eligible.
  • Nominees must be SHEA members in good standing.
  • Each nominee must submit an attestation form.

Award Process & Timeline

  1. The award cycle launches during IDWeek, and applicants must opt in to have their abstracts considered for the award.
  2. Applicants must have their abstracts accepted for the SHEA Spring Conference to be considered for the award.
  3. Review of eligible abstracts begins in early April.
  4. Final selections are made during the summer.
  5. Recipients are notified in early August.
  6. Additional details regarding recognition and travel stipend will be provided to recipients following selection.