Encouraging Research Excellence – Insights from ATISR Award Programs

Research excellence is shaped not only by individual effort, but also by the environments and incentives that support high-quality work. Within the information systems research community, recognition programs play an important role in setting standards and encouraging continuous improvement.

ATISR Award Programs are designed to acknowledge outstanding contributions while reinforcing values such as rigor, relevance, ethics, and global engagement. Examining these programs provides insight into how research excellence can be fostered in a systematic and inclusive way.

Purpose

The primary purpose of ATISR Award Programs is to recognize research that demonstrates exceptional quality and impact. Awards signal what the community values and help establish benchmarks for scholarly achievement.

Beyond recognition, these programs aim to motivate researchers to pursue ambitious and meaningful work. By highlighting exemplary studies, ATISR encourages others to adopt strong methodological practices and address important research questions.

Scope

ATISR Award Programs typically cover a range of research contributions. These may include theoretical advancement, methodological innovation, applied impact, and early-career achievement.

This broad scope reflects the diversity of information systems research. Excellence is not defined by a single approach or topic, but by how well a study contributes to knowledge and practice within its context.

Inclusive award categories help ensure that different forms of contribution are visible and valued.

Criteria

Clear evaluation criteria are central to the credibility of award programs. ATISR awards commonly assess factors such as originality, rigor, relevance, and clarity of contribution.

Ethical conduct and transparency are also important considerations. Research that demonstrates responsible data use and respect for participants aligns with broader community standards.

Transparent criteria help researchers understand expectations and strengthen trust in the selection process.

Process

The award selection process is designed to be fair and rigorous. It typically involves peer review by experienced scholars with relevant expertise.

Multiple stages of evaluation reduce bias and improve consistency. Reviewers focus on evidence presented in the research rather than reputation or institutional affiliation.

A structured process reinforces the legitimacy of awards and enhances their signaling value within the research community.

Impact

Award programs influence research behavior over time. By highlighting high-quality work, they shape norms around what constitutes excellence.

Impact Area	Example	Effect
Quality	Rigorous methods	Higher standards
Relevance	Applied insights	Practical value
Visibility	Award recognition	Wider reach
Motivation	Career acknowledgment	Sustained effort

These impacts extend beyond individual recipients and contribute to the overall strength of the field.

Development

ATISR Award Programs also support researcher development. For early-career scholars, recognition can enhance confidence, visibility, and access to collaboration opportunities.

For established researchers, awards reinforce leadership roles and encourage continued contribution to the community. In this way, award programs support excellence across career stages.

Community

Awards function as a community-building mechanism. Celebrating achievement creates shared moments of recognition and reinforces collective values.

Public acknowledgment of excellence also provides learning opportunities. Award-winning research often serves as reference points for teaching, mentoring, and future studies.

Evolution

As research priorities evolve, award programs must adapt. ATISR regularly reviews its award categories and criteria to reflect emerging topics, methods, and ethical considerations.

This adaptability ensures that recognition remains aligned with current challenges and future directions in information systems research.

Encouraging research excellence requires more than individual talent. It depends on systems that recognize quality, promote fairness, and reinforce shared values.

ATISR Award Programs contribute to this ecosystem by highlighting exemplary work and supporting a culture of rigor, relevance, and responsibility. Through thoughtful design and ongoing refinement, these programs help sustain excellence within the global research community.

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