The HFES Inclusion Award recognizes the contributions of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) members related to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice (abbreviated “DEI”) in the fields of human factors and ergonomics (HF/E) and to HFES itself. These contributions may span outstanding and impactful research, practice, and service.
This award recognizes novel and recent contributions that extend the reach of HF/E to new areas. This award specifically (a) addresses the critical importance of DEI principles and (b) celebrates the impact of members’ research, practice, or service regarding these principles. Recipients can include individuals or collaborative teams. Importantly, these awards are not intended to highlight “career” or “lifetime” achievements but instead focus on significant ongoing and/or recent efforts (i.e., within the last five years).
Example Types of Recognition
HFES Inclusion Award addresses three categories that represent different clusters or types of activities that can contribute meaningfully to DEI.
- One type of contribution pertains to research or scholarship that generates discoveries, improves understanding of problems or solutions, reveals strategies and methods and/or evaluates theories and interventions related to DEI in HF/E contexts. Issues of inclusion and equity should be central to the research. All empirical research paradigms are eligible for this award, including (but not limited to) laboratory studies, experimental studies, field studies, qualitative studies, community research and program evaluations.
- Another type of contribution pertains to authentic applications of relevant methods and principles to advance DEI in the real-world practice of HF/E. An award can recognize concrete work taking place in industry, academia, consulting, business, and community settings that contribute to implementing solutions, creating organizations, developing resources and/or promoting awareness of DEI issues. Examples might include (but are not limited to) (a) creating new affinity groups that serve historically underrepresented or marginalized populations within a company, or organization (b) launching a new initiative to mentor and train newcomers in the field and (c) engaging in consulting work to improve awareness of exclusion within an organization and recommending inclusive and equitable changes.
- Another type of contribution acknowledges contributions to DEI promotion and advancement within the HFES organization. We recognize that service is often relevant to research and practice and such service will be valued as part of those activities. This work is specific to benefiting or transforming the Society directly. Examples might include (but are not limited to) concrete initiatives to (a) increase authentic diversity among HFES members, along with (b) promoting meaningful inclusion and sense of belonging, particularly for members of historically marginalized or excluded backgrounds
In some cases, individuals or teams may engage in a wide range of activities that pertain to multiple categories. In these cases, the nominations should address the most salient contribution (e.g. research, practice, or service).
Eligibility and Nomination Process
Only current members of HFES at any level may be nominated for individual awards of any of the three Inclusion Awards. Nominated teams will be more competitive when most of the team are HFES members. HFES members must be central to the impact and leadership of the team. Membership is defined by holding an active member account.
The nomination process is designed to encourage as many nominations as possible by reducing the workload of nominating others, while also soliciting sufficient information regarding the meaningful and measurable impact of a nominee.
Nominators must be current HFES members at any level, although additional letters of support may be provided by non-members. To avoid potential conflicts of interest or opportunities for coercion, nominations and letters of support cannot be accepted from individuals who are supervised by the nominee. For example, graduate students may not nominate or support their current advisors or committee members, and employees may not nominate or support their current supervisors. However, former students and former employees may provide nominations. Self-nominations are allowed.
Nomination Materials
- Nominations will be submitted by completing a Nomination Form comprising the following information:
- Name and contact information of the nominee
- Name and contact information of the nominator
- Letter of nomination in which the nominator indicates the primary contribution (research, practice, or service) describes the nominees’ activities and efforts relevant to the award category (i.e., what they have been doing); please be concise and specific (~250-400 words) evaluates the impact and contributions of the nominees’ activities (i.e., concrete benefits and outcomes); please be concise and specific (~250-400 words) append one letter of support from a current HFES member (not the nominator); this letter can elaborate on the nominees’ DEI activities and impact (maximum one page) append the current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume of the nominee(s). Please note that contents of the CV or resume are not considered in award decisions but may be used to develop a profile of recipients in award announcements.