Applications open for the K-State Excellence in Innovation and Economic Engagement Award
Kansas State University faculty and staff, centers, institutes and units leading the way in innovation and economic engagement are invited to apply for the K-State Excellence in Innovation and Economic Engagement Award.
The award recognizes exemplary economic engagement and the intersections of these categories:
- Talent, focusing on education and workforce development.
- Innovation, focusing on innovation and technology-based economic development.
- Place, focusing on social, cultural or community development.
Applications or nominations should include a two-page narrative submitted to ecodevo@k-state.edu by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 27. Directions and additional application materials are also available on the Excellence in Innovation and Economic Engagement Award website.
One winner will be selected and recognized at the Research Connections event on April 20, part of One K-State Research Week 2026. The winner receives a commemorative plaque, a certificate and a $1,000 grant to advance economic engagement efforts.
Application or nomination materials should be a narrative overview of economic engagement work advancing talent, innovation or place — or the intersection of these elements — that is no longer than two pages and answers the majority of the key questions and includes at least one illustration and at least one metric.
Award winners will be selected based on the award criteria — including the key questions, illustration and metrics.
Visit the Excellence in Innovation and Economic Engagement Award website for more information or email ecodevo@k-state.edu with questions.
— Submitted by Jennifer Tidball