Research Safety First, Safety Everyday
Safety, in all academic and research endeavors throughout campus, is a core institutional value at the University of Michigan. Exceptional research means safe research and all campus community members working to ensure that safety is prioritized in U-M research environments every day. The dedication of U-M’s research community is essential to keeping research safe and for elevating the university’s reputation as a global leader in research and scholarship.
Excellence in Research Safety Culture Awards
Safety in all academic and research endeavors is a core institutional value at the University of Michigan. To recognize the tremendous efforts taken by staff and leaders throughout campus to support this important mission, the Research and Academic Safety Committee has launched the Excellence in Research Safety Awards. Awards will be given to one individual PI, faculty lead or supervisor and one research support staff member who exemplifies what it means to be put safety first every day.
Award recipients will receive a $500 honorarium and a commemorative plaque. They will also be recognized across campus and during the Annual Safety Summit held by the Research and Academic Safety Committee on May 20.
Nominations are due Friday, April 11, at 5:00 PM EST
Eligibility is limited to Ann Arbor campus research and academic areas inspected by Environment, Health and Safety, which excludes Michigan Medicine.
Eligible nominees must meet at least one of the following criteria:
Excellence in Research Safety
Nominees should demonstrate a strong concern for safety and dedication to promoting a culture of safety within their area of responsibility.
Excellence in Innovation
Nominees should lead innovations in their research or creative practice area that make processes simpler to execute, while maintaining the highest standards of safety.
Nomination packets must include:
- Completed nomination form requires a narrative (minimum 250 words) describing, in reasonable detail, the nominee’s contributions related to the selection criteria described above
- At least one, but not more than three, letters of support detailing the specific contributions to excellence made by the nominee. Letters of support must not be more than a single-typed page in length
Being safe at the University of Michigan requires a positive safety culture where we learn from mistakes and near-misses to improve and prevent future occurrences. It is vital for all research staff, students and faculty to report all “incidents” including near misses, injuries resulting from your activities, non-compliance with safety and environmental rules and any generally unsafe work conditions so that we can learn and grow. After an incident is reported, EHS will investigate the cause, implement corrective actions and share best practices with others.
OVERVIEW
Through their research and creative work in science, engineering, health, social science, humanities, public policy and the arts, universities seek a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
As a public university, the University of Michigan has a special obligation to ensure that society benefits from the knowledge, insights and other products that arise. The translation of intellectual work to public benefit can take many paths, including undergraduate and graduate education, papers and books, clinical practice, technology licensing and works of art.
Through these processes, universities serve as the foundation of our nation’s economic vitality and quality of life. U-M is committed to enhancing and accelerating the transfer of the results of its work to the public good.