TAMEST Protégé Program
Elevating the Next Generation of Texas Researchers
Nominate Your Protégé Today for the TAMEST 2027 Annual Conference
TAMEST members may nominate one protégé to join them at the TAMEST 2027 Annual Conference. Once nominated, protégés will be invited to attend the conference at the discounted rate of $75. Protégés who register by December 10, 2026, will receive an additional 25% off.
Learn more about the protégé program below. For more information, please contact Stephanie Shaw at stephanie.shaw@austin.utexas.edu.
Each year, TAMEST members have a unique opportunity to help nurture the next generation of researchers in Texas. Through the TAMEST Protégé Program, each TAMEST member may invite one early-career researcher or industry professional, within 15 years of their first academic appointment of professional position, to attend the TAMEST Annual Conference.
Protégés experience firsthand the premier gathering of the Texas scientific community, learning about state-of-the-art research taking place across the state and connecting with peers outside their institution and research field. Protégés are also invited to participate in an exclusive networking event, a breakfast with National Academy members, and the Protégé Poster Challenge, which includes the opportunity to present their research on stage 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 (NAM, NAE), Rice University; Dr. Sharon Wood (NAE), The University of Texas at Austin; and Dr. Lora Hooper (NAM, NAS), UT Southwestern Medical Center.
Protégé Program Benefits
The following opportunities are exclusively available to protégés during the TAMEST Annual Conference.
Protégé Networking Reception
Bringing together the brightest early-career minds in Texas, TAMEST’s exclusive networking gives protégés the chance to connect, share their research and build lasting relationships with their peers. This gathering fosters a supportive community among protégés, creating an environment for professional growth and collaboration.
Breakfast Meeting with National Academy Members
Protégés gain a rare opportunity to sit down with National Academy members at this special breakfast meeting held at each conference. The gathering provides protégés the chance to network and learn more about the National Academies directly from elected members. Past breakfast meetings have also featured conversations with presidents of the National Academies.
Protégé Poster Challenge
The TAMEST Protégé Poster Challenge recognizes research and technology that could have significant impact on scientific understanding and society. This opportunity provides protégés a chance to showcase their research and innovation to research and industry leaders, with attendees including National Academy members, business leaders and the greater scientific research community in Texas.
Abstract submissions for the 2027 Protégé Poster Challenge will open October 1 and close December 10, 2026.
Protégé Statistics
Protégé Program Testimonials
