The Dr. Michael Louis Smith Scholar Award and Colloquium supports efforts to improve depression care by allowing a University of Michigan researcher to bring a visiting lecturer to share their expertise with the U-M community.

The award, generously funded by the family of Dr. Michael Louis Smith as a lasting tribute to his memory, supports the exploration of innovative clinical and research ideas aimed at improving the care of those struggling with depression and related illnesses. The award recipient is selected by a multidisciplinary committee, chaired by Sagar V. Parikh, M.D.

The award includes a $10,000 grant to bring a visiting lecturer to the University of Michigan whose area of expertise is related to the award recipient’s research. The remaining portion of the grant will be used to provide support to any related academic expenses.

Details for the 2025 award will be announced later this year.  

Who can apply

The award is open to U-M scholars in any school, department or business unit at U-M, who are dedicated to the exploration of innovative clinical and research ideas aimed at improving the care of depression and related illnesses. The recipient must have an M.D. and/or Ph.D. and be a Center member or a prospective member. If a prospective member is selected, the awardee's nomination will also serve as a membership application.

Application & nomination process

Mentors, colleagues, or co-investigators may submit nominations, or candidates may self-nominate. The application should include the following:

  • Name, title and primary department of the nominee
  • A summary of the nominee’s work in improving the care of those struggling with depression and other related illnesses through innovative clinical and research ideas (up to 400 words)
  • A brief statement about why the nominee deserves the award (up to 200 words)
  • A one-page letter of support testifying to the impact of the nominee's work, written by someone other than the nominee
  • The nominee's curriculum vitae
  • Nominator’s name and contact details

A selection committee will review all nominations and select one winner per cycle. 

If you are selected

The recipient will work with our staff and their home department to coordinate the lecture and manage the remaining funding to support their scholarly work.

The recipient will also be asked to provide a brief progress report and colloquium plan three months after receiving the award and provide a final report at its conclusion.

Questions

All questions regarding this opportunity can be emailed to Dr. Sagar Parikh, chair of the Dr. Michael Louis Smith Award Selection Committee.