The Staff Excellence Awards program recognizes the significant contributions School of Science staff members make to the MIT community, particularly for accomplishments that go beyond their typical roles and duties.

Each year, the school calls for nominations and holds a celebration to honor the recipients of the Infinite Mile and the Infinite Expansion Awards.

Past winners are listed here.

Infinite Mile Award

Since 2001, the School of Science has presented the Infinite Mile Awards to more than 300 of its members based on the nominations of their colleagues. Our award winners go the extra mile and beyond to make MIT a better place, whether that’s by mentoring fellow community members, innovating new solutions to problems big and small, building their communities, or going far above and beyond their job description to support the goals of their home departments, labs, and research centers. The nomination period has closed. Check back in winter 2025 to submit a nomination. 

Infinite Expansion Awards

The Infinite Expansion (Kilometer) Awards were created in 2012 to highlight the contributions of postdoctoral scholars, research scientists (or equivalents), and instructors. Award recipients are not only exceptional scientists, but they also show deep commitment to junior colleagues, participating in our educational programs, working with the MIT Postdoctoral Association, or contributing some other way to the Institute. The nomination period has closed. Check back in fall 2024 to submit a nomination. 

Spot Awards

Spot Awards are peer-nominated tokens of recognition to acknowledge members of our community and demonstrate appreciation and recognition for the exceptional contributions of individuals and teams, large or small, to the School of Science community. Nominate your peers or claim your prize here.

MIT Excellence Awards + Collier Medal

The MIT Excellence Awards + Collier Medal acknowledge the extraordinary efforts made by members of our community toward fulfilling the goals, values, and mission of the Institute.

COVID-19 Heroes

We are no longer seeking nominations for the COVID-19 Hero Award!  This award is meant to recognize the extraordinary efforts of staff members in the School whose efforts during the COVID-19 crisis have made the transition easier for their colleagues and work groups.