PSU's Public Impact Partner Award celebrates outstanding organizations in the Portland metro region that have collaborated with Portland State University faculty to conduct research with significant positive impact on our communities. At Portland State University, we believe in co-creating solutions with our partners, grounded in justice and equity and rooted in a shared commitment to addressing the needs of our diverse communities. Our students play a key role as active agents in these partnerships, contributing to research, community engagement, and the implementation of innovative solutions. This award recognizes the vital role that community groups, industry partners, and other organizations play in bridging academic research and real-world application. It also underscores the importance of collaborations that address societal challenges and foster positive change through reciprocal, trust-based partnerships.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible nominees include non-profit organizations, businesses, government agencies, and other entities based in the Portland metropolitan area that have partnered with Portland State University faculty on impactful research projects.
The collaboration must have occurred within the past three years, and the project should demonstrate a clear and measurable societal benefit.
This award recognizes various forms of collaboration, including but not limited to:
Co-developing research questions and methodologies that reflect the priorities of community stakeholders.
Providing access to data, resources, or study populations.
Implementing research findings or interventions that advance justice and equity in the community.
Disseminating research results to broader audiences, ensuring accessible and inclusive communication.
Supporting student involvement in research, internships, and career development opportunities, preparing students to be future problem-solvers.
Strengthening knowledge transfer and practical application in ways that reflect PSU’s commitment to serving the public good.
Selection Criteria
Nominees for the Public Impact Partner Award will be evaluated based on the following criteria. Each category reflects the value of partnerships that have not only advanced academic research but also made a tangible impact on local communities.
Active Engagement in the Research Process
The nominee should have been actively involved throughout the research process, from the development of research questions to the application of findings. This may include providing access to key resources, co-developing methodologies, or helping implement interventions. The collaboration should be a true partnership, with the organization and university faculty contributing equally to the project’s success.
Commitment to Addressing Community Needs or Societal Challenges
Nominees should demonstrate a strong commitment to addressing pressing community needs or societal challenges. This could include projects focused on public health, environmental sustainability, social justice, education, or economic development. The collaboration should clearly align with the organization’s mission to improve the well-being of the community or industry it serves.
Effective Partnership with Academic Researchers
The organization should show evidence of a productive and effective partnership with university faculty. This includes open communication, mutual respect, and a shared vision for the research project. The collaboration should serve as a model for successful academia-community partnerships, demonstrating how academic research can be applied to solve real-world problems.
Evidence of Community or Industry Impact
The nominee must provide clear evidence of how the research partnership has led to measurable benefits for the community or industry. This could include testimonials from beneficiaries, improvements in public policy or industry practices, or successful implementation of research findings in the community. The impact should be tangible and directly attributable to the collaboration.
Potential for Sustained Partnership and Scalable Impact
The selection committee will also evaluate the potential for long-term collaboration between the organization and the university. Special consideration will be given to partnerships that demonstrate a sustainable impact, with the ability to scale beyond the Portland region or serve as a model for future academia-community collaborations. Projects that offer research opportunities or career development pathways for students, such as internships or hands-on involvement in applied research, will be highly valued. Additionally, partnerships that promote equity and inclusion will receive further consideration.
Who May Submit Nominations
Nominations may be submitted by Portland State University faculty members who have collaborated with the nominated partner or by other university staff or administrators familiar with the collaboration. Only one nomination per organization is allowed.
Required Nomination Materials
Complete nomination packets must include the following, in pdf format:
Nomination letter (no more than 2 pages) describing the organization and detailing its role in the research partnership with PSU; this letter should address the ways the organization meets the selection criteria.
Description of the partnership (up to 3 pages) outlining the specific ways in which the organization has contributed to the research process and the resulting impact.
Supporting materials, such as letters of support from faculty, community partners, or project beneficiaries.
Evidence of community or industry impact, such as testimonials or examples of how the research findings have been applied.
Selection Process and Deadlines
Nominations should be initiated via the 2026 Research Awards Nomination Form by Monday, October 27, 2025 and must be completed Monday, November 17, 2025 (pdf format is preferred for all nomination materials).
The selection committee will review and evaluate completed nominations then make recommendations to the Vice President for Research & Graduate Studies (RGS) to guide the final selection of awardees.
No more than one awardee will ordinarily be named in a given year, and the committee may choose to forgo naming an awardee if no suitable nominees are identified.
The nominee selected for this honor will be notified in January 2026, along with those who contributed to their nomination. The nomination packets of nominees not selected will automatically be included for consideration the following year, with letters of support and other nomination materials carried forward by the RGS Awards Manager. Nominees not selected in two consecutive years must remain out of review for one selection cycle (one year) before regaining eligibility.
Recognition
PSU will celebrate the recipient of the Public Impact Partner Award at the university's annual Research Awards Ceremony and Reception, where PSU's President will present a commemorative award to a representative from the winning organization. PSU will also showcase the collaborative work undertaken through the university's partnership with the winning organization and its positive impacts on our communities. The winning organization may also be invited to participate in a panel discussion on successful academia-community partnerships, contributing to the university’s ongoing mission to foster impactful collaboration with the Portland community.
For answers to questions about this award or the nomination process, please contact RGS Awards Manager Amy Crelly: acrelly@pdx.edu, 503-725-9944, or email research@pdx.edu.