“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go” - T.S. Eliot

The Back of the Envelope Awards are envisioned as a mechanism to stimulate and support intellectual creativity at the School of Public Health that can lead to the next generation of intellectual excellence and productivity. These awards will allow a faculty member the time to more fully explore and develop a hunch, a notion, or an "Ah-ha". Time well spent could lead to a new line of inquiry, new collaborations, a dead end, or a Black Swan, outcomes that are at once unpredictable and therefore worthy of support.

Back of the Envelope Awards will annually award faculty members salary coverage for no less than six weeks and as long as six months depending on the discipline, idea, local circumstances, etc. Applicants must be a full time faculty member at the School.

Applications for a Back of the Envelope Award must be submitted on the back of a number 10 white envelope, either typed or handwritten. The application must contain name and phone number as identifying information. The reason or idea for the application should include the necessary and relevant detail to allow a panel of judges to make appropriate determinations of merit. No supporting documents or budget are permitted. Only one envelope should be submitted; copies will be made as needed by the Dean’s Office.

 Applications will be reviewed by a blinded and independent external panel of three investigators with experience and expertise in public health. If additional information is required, the request will be made through the Dean’s Office. Recommendations for Back of the Envelope Awards are made to the dean.

Up to six Back of the Envelope Awards will be made this year, up to four for research ideas and up to two for public health education ideas. Recipients will be recognized at an award reception tentatively scheduled for December 14, 2012 and will receive up to $10,000 for approved expenses (appropriate travel, consultation, etc.). At the conclusion of the award period each recipient is expected to give one or more Back of the Envelope Awards seminars organized by the Dean’s Office to share and disseminate what became of the back of the envelope idea.

Applications for Back of the Envelope Awards must be slipped under the Dean’s Office door (140 Ryals) no later than 5:00 PM, Friday, October 12, 2012. The Announcement of awards will be made no later than December 1, 2012.

Questions and inquires should be directed to Max Michael, MD (maxm@uab.edu)