The CSCC Outstanding Student Scholar Award recognizes and celebrates exceptional students who have demonstrated outstanding research achievements in the field of contemporary China studies. This prestigious award aims to honor students who have made significant contributions to scholarship, showcasing originality, academic rigor, and a profound understanding of the complexities within contemporary China. The student receives USD 300 and a certificate attesting to this award at the CSCC annual conference.

Eligibility:

• All currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students at DKU are eligible for nomination.
• The award is presented based on the student’s research accomplishments and its relevance to contemporary China studies.
• The award is presented based on the research activity of the student while being a student at DKU. Research work completed when the nominee was not at DKU is not formally considered.
• Candidates not necessarily have to be those who have been previously funded by CSCC.
• No individual may receive the award more than once within two years.

Nomination Process:

• Nominations can be made by faculty members, division chairs, or academic advisors who have direct knowledge of the student’s research work.
• The nominator shall submit a formal letter of nomination endorsing the student for the award, highlighting the reasons for the nomination, the significance of the student’s scholarship, and its impact on the field of contemporary China studies.
• Students may also self-nominate and provide supporting materials.
• The letter should be submitted as a PDF, addressed to the CSCC Award Committee, and sent to Ms. Chi Zhang, the program coordinator of the CSCC.
• All nominees will be contacted and asked to submit supporting materials, including an academic CV detailing the student’s research experiences, publications, presentations, and academic achievements, a concise research summary or abstract describing their research project(s), and/or copies of any publications, conference presentations, or research-related materials that highlight the student’s contributions to the field.

Important Dates for AY 23/24:

Nomination Letter Submission Deadline: September 22, 2023
Submission of supporting materials: October 6, 2023
Notification of Recipient: The name of the recipient will be announced via the CSCC email listserv prior to the Annual Conference.

Criteria for Selection:

The recipient is selected by the CSCC Award Committee consisting of faculty representatives from the research clusters. The recipient of the CSCC Outstanding Student Researcher Award will be selected based on the following five criteria:

1. Research Quality and Originality: The committee will assess the significance and originality of the student’s research work within the context of contemporary China studies. The research should demonstrate a depth of analysis, critical thinking, and a novel approach to the subject matter.

2. Impact and Contribution: Evidence of the research’s impact on advancing knowledge in contemporary China studies or its potential for broader societal, policy, or academic relevance.

3. Research Process and Methodology: The committee will consider the rigor and effectiveness of the research process, including the use of appropriate methodologies and data analysis techniques.

4. Presentation and Communication: Evaluation of the student’s ability to articulate and present their research findings coherently and engagingly, both in writing and oral presentations.

5. Academic and Professional Growth: The nominee’s demonstrated growth as a researcher, including their ability to collaborate with others, seek constructive feedback, and engage in scholarly discussions.

The CSCC Outstanding Student Scholar Award celebrates the exceptional research achievements of our students and aims to inspire a culture of academic excellence and scholarly inquiry within the field of contemporary China studies. By recognizing outstanding student researchers, we encourage and support the next generation of scholars to pursue impactful research in this critical field of study.