Innovator Award Policy

Purpose

To promote innovation and non-traditional thinking in order to continue to develop supportive cancer care.

Scope

MASCC recognizes an individual with novel, bold thinking, and impactful, non-traditional, out-of-the-box idea(s) that have changed or enhanced direction, practices, and services in supportive care in cancer (related to MASCC or outside of MASCC) within the past two years.

Award

The recipient will be recognized at the Annual Meeting and in MASCC publications, as deemed appropriate. The recipient will receive an invitation to the Awards Reception to receive their award certificate.

Eligibility

1. Nominees must be current members of MASCC and in good standing.
2. Nominees must have made a significant contribution or led innovative changes, practices, or services in supportive cancer care.
3. Nominees must have an endorsement by:
   • A current MASCC member in good standing with the Society (by way of the completed nomination form)
   • A MASCC Study Group Leader and/or MASCC Board Member (by way of the support letter(s)).
4. Nominees who have previously been awarded the Innovator Award are not eligible.

Procedures

Nomination Process

1. Any current MASCC member (including self-nomination) may nominate an individual for the Innovator Award.
2. A nomination package should be submitted to events@mascc.org that includes the following:
   • Nomination form
   • No less than one but no more than four letters of support by MASCC members, including at least one endorsement by a MASCC Study Group Leader and/or MASCC Board Member
   • Any relevant documentation to support the innovations discussed
   • Up-to-date resume / CV
3. Nomination package must be received by April 1 of the given year.

Selection Process

1. A call for nominations will be published on the MASCC website and via email to all members.
2. All nominations will be reviewed by the MASCC Awards Committee. Its recommendation will be forwarded to the Executive Committee for review and approval. 
3. Selection will be based on (1) novelty of research, (2) level of contribution, (3) impact of work, and (4) quality of work within the past two years.
4. There will be only one recipient of the Innovator Award per year. Awards will be based on the merits of each individual nominee.
5. The award recipient will be notified by email.
6. In the absence of qualified submissions, the MASCC Executive Committee may nominate an individual who meets the established criteria for the award.