Lab Legends Award

The voting period has now ended. Thank you to everyone who participated.

2026 Finalists

 

Rising Researcher Award Finalists 2026
Vani Sridhar, Emory University, US "I believe a truly great mentor provides not just technical guidance, but the understanding and empathy needed to create a continuous cycle of support. I am passionate about empowering the next generation of engineers and helping them trust that their scientific contributions can make a tangible difference in the real world."
Katie Toohill, University of Pennsylvania, US "Even the most prolific scientists were once new to the bench. I try my best to tailor my mentoring to my own experiences when I was in my mentees’ shoes. "
Brigette Romero Carpio, University of Delaware, US "Inspired by the exceptional mentorship I’ve received, my lab leadership approach centers on creating a welcoming, collaborative environment where students grow confident at the bench, raw ideas are embraced, and everyone is invested in the common goal of advancing science. Ultimately, I am driven by the belief that our collaborative work today has the potential to create a tangible impact for patients by contributing to life-changing clinical breakthroughs in the future."

Postdoctoral Researcher Award Finalists 2026
Dr. Bruna Lopes da Costa, University of Pennsylvania, US "One of the most rewarding aspects of being a postdoctoral researcher in a leadership role is the opportunity to mentor and support the next generation of scientists. Contributing to the professional and personal growth of younger researchers is incredibly fulfilling, and watching them develop into confident, independent scientists is one of the most meaningful parts of this role."
Dr. Samantha Yee, University of Chicago, US "I lead by example with humility, empathy, and integrity, creating a lab culture where questions are welcomed, independence is encouraged, and every trainee feels supported in developing both technical excellence and confidence. What inspires me most is watching others develop both personally and professionally, as their curiosity evolves into expertise, and their collaborations grow into meaningful collective scientific contributions."
Dr Christy Varghese, University of Birmingham, UK "Science inspires me because it transforms questions into possibilities and possibilities into impact. Knowing that my work can contribute to better health for humankind keeps me driven every single day."

Outstanding Lab Leader Award Finalists 2026
Dr. Pingyue Pan, Rutgers University, US "A respected leader once told me that humility is key to successful leadership. I am just trying to be like that."
Dr. Korm Sovannarith, Harvard Medical School, US "Great science thrives in an environment of curiosity, collaboration, and mutual support. I am inspired every day by the dedication of trainees and colleagues who challenge us to learn, grow, and make discoveries that can improve human health."
Dr. CJ Anderson, University of Edinburgh, UK "The central philosophy of my laboratory is that team members work with me, not for me. Every team member has a vital role to play, is empowered to creatively pursue their ideas, and is reassured that 'failing' means we are one step closer to finding the answers to difficult biological questions."

Lab Ally Award Finalists 2026
Callum Robson, University of York, UK "I’m inspired every day by my amazing colleagues. Being in a role where I can support their work and celebrate their successes is the best part of the job!"
Luis Quintero, University of Maryland, US "Whether it's working together on an experiment, making people laugh, or breaking into a horribly executed Michael Jackson moonwalk, I hope to help create a lab where everyone feels comfortable and like they belong. I believe spaces like that are where the best science happens."

 

Award Details

Behind every breakthrough is a team of dedicated researchers, mentors, inspiring leaders, and collaborative colleagues. The Proteintech Lab Legends Award celebrates the individuals who help shape a positive and successful research environment across academia.

With an $8,000 research grant prize fund across four award categories, this initiative recognizes the scientists and lab teammates whose contributions deserve to be celebrated. Nominate someone in your lab community today. Nominations close July 14th.

 

Award Categories

One winner will be selected for each category. Research grant prizes will be paid directly to the recipient’s university laboratory or research institution to support research activities.

 

Rising Researcher Award - $2,000

Recognizing a graduate student who demonstrates exceptional dedication, curiosity, and innovation in research.

Postdoctoral Researcher Award - $2,000

Celebrating a postdoctoral researcher advancing scientific discovery while supporting and inspiring their peers.

Outstanding Lab Leader Award - $2,000

Honoring a principal investigator or lab leader who fosters a collaborative, supportive, and high-performing research environment.

Lab Ally Award - $2,000

Recognizing a supportive lab peer who consistently encourages, mentors, and uplifts those around them.

 

Award Timeline

 

Who Can Be Nominated?

Eligible nominees must:

• Be currently enrolled or employed at an academic university or research institution

• Be based in the US, Canada, Europe, UK, Australia, or Singapore

• Be nominated by a colleague, student, supervisor, or peer

• Not self-nominate

Only nominators from universities and research institutions are eligible to participate.

 

 

 

Terms and Conditions

• Nomination statements must not exceed 200 words.

• The nomination period opens on June 1, 2026 and closes on July 14, 2026. Entries submitted after this deadline will not be eligible.

• Following the nomination period, Proteintech will review submissions and create a shortlist of finalists at its sole discretion.

• Winners will be determined through a combination of internal judging and public voting.

• During the public voting period, each participant may vote once per day.

• Winners will be announced on July 31, 2026 via the Proteintech website and social media channels.

• All winners agree to the use of their name, institution, likeness, and submitted materials for promotional purposes related to the Lab Legends Award without additional compensation, except where prohibited by law.

• Employees of for-profit organizations, including biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, are not eligible to receive the award.

• By submitting a nomination, participants agree to receive communications from Proteintech.

• Proteintech reserves the right to terminate, modify, or suspend the award competition at any time.

• Proteintech reserves the right to disqualify any nomination that does not meet the eligibility criteria or violates these Terms and Conditions.

• Only nominators from universities and research institutions are eligible to participate in the Lab Legends Award competition.

• Nominees must be currently enrolled or employed within an academic university or research institution.

• Eligible nominees must be based in the US, Canada, Europe, UK, Australia, or Singapore.

• The Lab Legends Award includes four categories: Rising Researcher Award Postdoctoral Researcher Award, Outstanding Lab Leader Award and Lab Ally Award.

• One winner will be selected for each category.

• Each winner will receive a research grant prize of: $2,000 USD in the United States and Canada. €2,000 EUR in Europe. £2,000 GBP in the United Kingdom. Local currency equivalent in Australia and Singapore, calculated using the prevailing exchange rate at the time of payment.

• The research grant prize will be paid directly to the recipient’s university laboratory or research institution to support research activities.

• Nominees may not self-nominate and must be nominated by a colleague, student, supervisor, or peer within their research community.

• Nominators may submit one nomination per category.

• All nomination forms must be completed in full.