Frequently Asked Questions

Can I nominate a technology, individual, or team that has received other awards or prizes? 

Yes.
 

Does the nominated technology have to have been developed recently?

No.
 

Can the nominated technology be digital?

Yes. Digital innovations such as computational methods, algorithms, and software that improve human health through prevention, diagnosis, or treatment are eligible.

 
Is there a limit on the number of nominations that I can submit?

Nominators are limited to two nominations per year. There is no limit on the number of nominations that come from a single organization, department, or institution. 
 

Is there a limit on the number of individuals or teams that I can nominate?

Although no formal limit has been placed on the number of individual nominees, more than four is discouraged except under exceptional conditions. If nominating a team, no more than 50 members of the team may be nominated. Nominations determined not to include all living key contributors may be asked to resubmit an amended nomination for consideration in future cycles.
 

Do nominations carry over from previous years? May I resubmit a nomination that wasn’t selected?

Nominations do not carry over. Nominators are welcome to resubmit a nomination in subsequent years for consideration. Please be sure to review the nomination requirements each year for updates, including revised prompts, and include current CVs with any resubmitted nominations.
 

Can a nominator’s administrator or assistant register in the portal and fill out the nomination form on their behalf?

Yes. Please register in the Nomination Portal using the name and email of the person who should receive any prize-related correspondence. Please see page 2 of the nomination form for further instructions. 
 

There are several of us who would like to nominate the same technology. Can we do a joint nomination?

Yes. Please have one individual register in the Nomination Portal and see page 2 of the nomination form for further instructions.  

 
What is the process for gathering letters of evaluation?

Nominators must submit the names and contact information for up to six individuals whom the Prize Jury could contact in the following spring for a critical assessment of the prize-worthiness of the technology, its clinical impact, and whether all of the key contributors are included. It is recommended that the evaluators be experts in the field who can provide highly specialized insight into the development and use of the technology. It is also recommended that nominators secure permission to list these individuals and make them aware that they may be asked to provide their expert opinion. Preferably, the recommended evaluators will not be employed by the same institution as the nominees or have collaborated with the nominees in the performance of relevant studies.
 

What are the central criteria for the prize?

The Merkin Prize is first and foremost a technology prize. The Jury will evaluate nominations on the following three criteria:

• Novelty and purpose of the technology
• Inclusion of all living, key contributors to the technology
• Demonstrable clinical impact
   

What is the timeline & process for evaluating nominations?

Nominations will be evaluated during the winter & spring of 2024 by a panel of scientific leaders. Prize recipients will be announced in late spring and honored at a prize ceremony in fall 2024.
 

How do I receive tech support for the nomination portal?

Contact Proposal Central Support directly via email at pcsupport@altum.com, or by phone at +1 800 875 2562 (Toll-free U.S. and Canada) and +1 703 964 5840 (Direct Dial International).
 

My question isn't answered here. Who do I contact?

Email merkinprize@broadinstitute.org