Joint Research Practices Working Group Recognized with 2025 Models of Excellence Award

Congratulations to the Joint Research Practices Working Group for being selected to receive a Models of Excellence Award from the University of Pennsylvania.

The Models of Excellence Award program celebrates the extraordinary achievements of full- and part-time staff across the University of Pennsylvania’s schools and centers. The Model of Excellence Award specifically recognizes staff member accomplishments that reflect initiative, leadership, increased efficiency, and a deep commitment to service. The Joint Research Practices Working Group (JRP) is one of three groups and four individuals selected to receive this prestigious award.

Exemplifying the University’s principles and practices, the JRP develops and disseminates best practices for conducting research that welcomes people from all backgrounds and represents the community we serve. The working group also provides free online resources and hands-on training on how to practice research in ways that build trust, promote fairness, and respect the experiences and contributions of all patients. The goal of the JRP is to make academic research more accessible for everyone.

These testimonials demonstrate the JRP’s contributions to the work of the PAIR Center, CHIBE, and the entire Penn research community:

“I have been impressed with the thoughtfulness, compassion, and humanity in how the JRP members have approached and implemented their work. They have been unrelenting in their support for and promotion of each other. And they have been tenacious in their pursuit of change.”

“The JRP approaches challenges with an unusual combination of pragmatism and unrelenting hope, offering practical solutions and pushing all of us to do better every day. It is impossible not to hear their cry for change, and it is inspiring to hear leaders across centers answer their call to action.”

“I look forward to my meetings with the JRP. They exude positivity. They have a ‘can-do’ attitude. They approach hurdles with humor. They are smart, talented, creative people.”

Please join us for the Models of Excellence Ceremony on April 7, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Penn Museum.

Members of the JRP honored with this award include: Elizabeth (Lizzie) Bair, Shira Blady, Emma Britez Ferrante, Emily Campbell, Brigit Joseph, Craig Kwiatowski, Adina Lieberman, Arleen Lopez Cruz, Adam Mussell, Nirali Patel, Sara Riaz, Jonathan Richards, Devon Schroeder, Conor Shatto, Dorothy Sheu, and Jingsan Zhu.