TAMEST Protégé Program
Elevating the Next Generation of Texas Researchers
Each year, TAMEST members have a unique opportunity to help nurture the next generation of researchers in Texas. Through the TAMEST Protégé Program, early-career researchers are selected on an individual basis by TAMEST members to attend the TAMEST annual conference. Each year, 40-50 Protégés experience firsthand the premier gathering of the Texas scientific community, learning about state-of-the-art research taking place in Texas.
The program is designed as a mentorship tool for early-career researchers (ideally within 15 years of their first academic appointment or are early career industry professionals). Protégés benefit from the mentorship of TAMEST members and get to network with top researchers in the state at the conference. (TAMEST members may invite one protégé to join them at the conference.)
Many protégés have gone on to become stars in their field and be elected to the National Academies, including TAMEST members like Dr. Antonios Mikos, Rice University (NAM, NAE), Executive Vice President and Provost Sharon Wood, UT Austin (NAE), and even TAMEST Board Member Dr. Lora Hooper, UT Southwestern (NAS).
Protégé Program Benefits
Breakfast Meeting with National Academy Members
A special breakfast meeting for protégés and National Academy members takes place at each conference, providing protégés an opportunity to network and learn more about the National Academies from elected members. Past breakfast meetings have also featured conversations with presidents of the National Academies.
Protégé Poster Challenge
The TAMEST Protégé Poster Contest recognizes research that could have significant impact on scientific understanding and society. Posters will be available for viewing on the first full day of the conference, Wednesday, May 24.
Three protégé poster challenge participants will be selected to become finalists. Finalists will be invited to an exclusive VIP breakfast session with TAMEST leadership and special guests; networking opportunities with distinguished leaders of the Texas research and business community; and the opportunity to present their poster on the main stage to the TAMEST conference audience (five-minute presentation by finalists on May 25, 2023). Finalists also receive a post-event publicity and recognition certificate.
TAMEST staff will reach out to registered protégés with information on participating in the poster contest.
Please note: Protégé submissions received after Friday, April 28, 2023 are invited to attend the conference; however, their name and photo will not be included in printed conference materials.
Protégé Program Testimonials
The TAMEST Protégé Program is an eye-opening and empowering experience for someone rising in their career. It allows them to learn about leading-edge research taking place in Texas, helps them make contacts, connects them with this great group of people from across many different disciplines and at many different locations and in my view, it serves as a generally motivating experience at a great time in their career.
