ISPOR Award for Excellence in Methodology in Pharmacoeconomics and Health Outcomes Research Research Excellence Awards Chair - Methodology in Pharmacoeconomics and Health Outcomes Research Rajesh Balkrishnan PhD, MS, Merrell Dow Professor, Ohio State University College of Pharmacy and School of Public Health, Columbus, OH, USA Description: The ISPOR Research Excellence Award for Methodology Excellence was established in 1997 to recognize outstanding research in the field of pharmacoeconomics and outcomes research methodology.  Criteria: The recipient of ISPOR Award for Excellence in Methodology in Pharmacoeconomics and Health Outcomes Research is selected by the Research Excellence Awards Task Force based upon publications that have appeared in respected peer-review journals and other communication venues (e.g., books, reports) during the preceding twelve months from January 1 of the year awarded.  The award selection is based upon the publication's clear description of methods, along with the appropriate and creative applications (or proposal thereof in conceptual methodology work) of techniques to answer important questions in the field of pharmacoeconomics and outcomes research.  Such publications will be expected to have much impact on the field, due to their acceptance and application by others.  Selection Process: A call for nominations is placed in November-December ISPOR CONNECTIONS for articles published during the past eighteen months to be considered for the ISPOR Award for Excellence in Methodology in Pharmacoeconomics and Health Outcomes Research.  In addition, each Research Excellence Awards Task Force member selects relevant publications in respected peer-reviewed journals during the preceding twelve months to be considered by the Excellence Awards Task Force in the selection process.  The Excellence Awards Task Force meets via teleconference in February to discuss each of the nominated publications.  They select the best demonstration of scientific excellence for that time period.  The nominee is then forwarded to the Board of Directors for final approval.  The senior author on the publication is given the award.  Nature of Award: The Award, presented at the ISPOR Annual International meeting, consists of a plaque, complimentary Annual International Meeting registration, roundtrip air fare, hotel, meal and miscellaneous expenses for two days, based upon current ISPOR travel policies.  Nominations for the ISPOR Award for Excellence in Methodology in Pharmacoeconomics and Health Outcomes Research should be accompanied by an electronic version of the nominated paper and a letter of support that illustrates the positive attributes of the paper, and sent to awards@ispor.org. Only ISPOR members may submit nominations (either their own publications or others).