The Hilton Head Workshop is pleased to announce the Hilton Head Rising Star of Microsystems Award. This award recognizes outstanding early-career faculty who are emerging leaders in microsystems research and who have demonstrated strong potential for sustained technical impact and community leadership.

The Rising Star of Microsystems Award is intended to highlight the next generation of innovators shaping the future of microsystems, microfabrication, MEMS, micro/nanomanufacturing, and closely related fields represented at the Hilton Head Workshop.

Eligibility
To be eligible, nominees must: (1) Hold a tenure-track (TTK) Assistant Professor appointment (or equivalent early-career faculty rank) at the time of nomination/selection; and (2) Have at least one abstract accepted to the Hilton Head Workshop from their research group, where the nominee is the senior author on the work.

Selection Process
Authors of accepted abstracts will be asked whether the senior author on the work would like to be considered for the Rising Star Award. An Awards Committee will evaluate eligible candidates using information available through the accepted abstract(s) and additional materials that may be requested from the candidate.

Award
Each year, four recipients will be selected. Award recipients will be invited to deliver a "Rising Star" presentation as part of the Hilton Head Workshop's single-session technical program. In addition, award recipients will receive formal recognition during the Hilton Head Workshop along with a commemorative plaque. Awardees must attend the Hilton Head 2026 Workshop in person to receive the award.