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KNI Catalyst Award

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Caltech's extraordinary community of scientists and engineers spearheads breakthrough discoveries and innovation. In the spirit of the pursuit of growth, understanding and thoughtful expansion, the Kavli Nanoscience Institute established the KNI Catalyst Awards to recognize and highlight individual contributors or small teams who are change agents, community leaders, and/or allies for the advancement of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility efforts on campus or in STEM fields.

KNI Catalyst Award candidates are nominated by their peers or advisors. Submissions will be reviewed by a formal committee. Nominees from the previous year will carry over to the review pool for the current period. The award comes with a $1,000 shared prize to support the continued efforts of the honoree(s).

Examples of qualifying topics and activities: building an inclusive and equitable environment for a marginalized demographic in STEM, i.e.: socioeconomic status, veteran status, first-generation students, persons with disabilities/special needs, gender, race, sexual identity or orientation, mental/physical health and well-being, etc. Types of activities can include (but are not limited to): outreach, mentorship/teaching, allyship, implementing or stewarding new programs or initiatives that promote the well-being of individuals in STEM.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Hold an active appointment/status as one of the following at Caltech or JPL: undergraduate student, graduate student, postdoctoral scholar, research staff, or faculty member; recent graduates (within one year) are eligible
  • Involvement in the KNI community, e.g. KNI lab user (active user within the past two years) or KNI-related programs
  • Demonstrate active involvement or concrete plans for building a more equitable, inclusive and/or diverse environment on campus or in a STEM-related field (e.g. K-12, higher education, scientific organizations, private/for-profit institutions, etc.)

Complete the Google form to nominate your colleagues or to self-nominate.

Nomination Deadline: Monday, April 28, 2025