Ruth I. Michler Memorial Prize
Scholarship Sponsored by Association For Women in Mathematics
About the Prize
The Ruth I. Michler Memorial Prize is awarded annually by the Association for Women in Mathematics to support a woman researcher recently promoted to Associate Professor (or equivalent) in the mathematical sciences. The award funds a semester spent in the Mathematics Department at Cornell University without teaching obligations, allowing concentrated research activity in a stimulating academic environment. The prize recognizes scholars at a pivotal career stage as they prepare for expanded leadership in research and the profession.
Description: An annual fellowship supporting advanced research for a woman recently promoted to Associate Professor or equivalent in the mathematical sciences.
Purpose: To provide uninterrupted research time and access to Cornell's academic resources, fostering significant progress on scholarly projects.
- Aimed at recently promoted Associate Professors (or equivalent).
- Fellowship provides a semester free from teaching obligations at Cornell.
- Designed to enhance research productivity and professional development.
Application Procedure
Applications are submitted once per year during a defined window and must be completed through the MathPrograms.org portal. The application requires a concise research proposal, a curriculum vitae, and three recommendation letters submitted online. Nominations may be made by any person regardless of gender or AWM membership; detailed eligibility requirements are provided in the Prize Parameters section. All materials submitted become the property of the AWM.
Application Timeline: The application period opens on August 15 and closes on the October deadline each year.
Application Location: Applications are accepted via MathPrograms.org; use the "View Programs" option and select the Michler Prize listed under the Association for Women in Mathematics.
Applicant: Candidates apply for the prize; nominators may be any person. See Prize Parameters for full eligibility criteria.
Application Packet: Required materials include a curriculum vitae, a 2–3 page research or book proposal (with a brief confirmation from any Cornell collaborator), and three letters of recommendation submitted online.
- Apply through MathPrograms.org during the annual August–October window.
- Prepare a CV, a focused 2–3 page proposal, and three online recommendation letters.
- Nominations are open to anyone; all submissions become AWM property.
Prize Parameters
The Michler Prize selection emphasizes research excellence and the demonstrated benefit of a semester at Cornell to the candidate's work. Applicants are expected to spend a full semester in the Mathematics Department at Cornell University, with Cornell providing office space and access to library and computing facilities. Applications from underrepresented minorities are especially encouraged to apply.
Award Criteria: Selection is based primarily on the quality of the candidate's research and the potential impact of a semester at Cornell on that research.
Nominee Requirements: Applicants must be women recently promoted to Associate Professor or the equivalent at an institution of higher learning other than Cornell; there are no restrictions on nationality or country of employment.
Award Value: The prize includes $50,000 for a semester of research plus a $3,000 housing/subsistence supplement; Cornell provides office space, library access, and computing facilities.
- Selection focuses on research excellence and clear benefit from a Cornell semester.
- Applicants must be recently promoted Associate Professors (or equivalent) holding positions outside Cornell.
- The award package is $50,000 plus a $3,000 stipend; institutional resources are provided by Cornell.