Investment in Faculty

The Fralin Life Sciences Institute Fabulous Five (“Fab-5”) Program recognizes early-career faculty researchers at Virginia Tech (VT), who are making significant contributions to frontier research areas at the interfaces of the life sciences and other discipline-specific fields. 

We seek to spotlight bold thinkers who push boundaries, embrace new approaches, and work on challenges whose solutions matter locally, nationally, and beyond.

NOMINATION CRITERIA

Excellence in Life Sciences:
Nominees should be conducting research at the cutting edge through novel methodologies, interdisciplinary collaborations, or use of emerging technologies to address global challenges with innovative impact.  Examples include, but are not limited to, developing innovative tools or models, deploying existing technologies in novel ways, or addressing pressing global challenges collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams.

Career Stage:
Nominees should not yet have attained the rank of full professor by the time of award.  Nominees must be taking/have taken risks in the early stages of their careers.  Examples of this could include: 

• A willingness to pursue bold, high-impact ideas early in their careers
• Exploration of unconventional research questions
• Building new collaborations across disciplines or sectors
• Challenging established assumptions in pursuit of better solutions

Breadth of Scientific Portfolio and College Affiliation Representation:
The Fab-5 Program seeks a mix of candidates having a broad spectrum of professional and personal experiences, college/departmental affiliations, and scientific disciplines.  We encourage nominations from all corners of the Virginia Tech life-sciences community.  Nominees whose work spans multiple application areas or engages with diverse research communities are strongly encouraged.

NOMINATION & SELECTION PROCESS

The Fralin Life Sciences Institute Fabulous Five nomination process is designed to identify and celebrate early-career researchers making a significant impact. 

Submission:
Nominations are open to students, peers, and supervisors, with nominations submitted by associate deans, directors, or department heads. Self-nominations will not be entertained.  Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria defined above.  Nominators should prepare a brief (max 1 page) statement of nomination that addresses the nomination criteria and submit it using the link below. 

Review Process:
A panel of FLSI personnel and affiliates carefully evaluates nominations based on scientific excellence in life sciences, innovation & creativity, risk-taking, and potential impact on global challenges.

Selection:
The final five honorees are chosen from a competitive pool of nominees.

Recognition:
Honorees will be featured and profiled in a special FLSI newsletter focused on the Fabulous Five, gaining visibility and opportunities for collaboration and funding.

Nominations for the 2026 Fabulous Five close on July 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT.  Please submit your nominations here.