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Christopher D. Webster Rising Star Awards for Early Career Professionals (ECPs) in Forensic Mental Health
The Christopher Webster Early Career Award honours Dr. Christopher Webster, who passed away February 20, 2024. Dr. Webster was an internationally respected scholar whose pioneering contributions to the field of violence risk assessment are well known to members of the Association and to the broader forensic mental health community. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Webster was a valued colleague to professionals across many countries. His publications and lectures have provided enduring insights and have significantly advanced our understanding of risk, violence, and mental health. Of particular relevance to the purpose of this Award, Dr. Webster acted as an exemplary role model and mentor to several scholars and practitioners as they were embarking on their careers.
We honour his generosity of spirit, the quality of his work, and his instrumental role as a mentor by presenting this award at the annual meeting of the Association. IAFMHS awards two (02) Christopher D. Webster Rising Star Awards for Early Career Professionals (ECPs) in Forensic Mental Health each year. These awards acknowledge individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field at an early stage in their careers.
Award Categories
Early Excellence in Research: The Christopher D. Webster Rising Star Award for Excellence in Research recognizes an ECP whose contributions to forensic mental health research demonstrate exceptional promise.
Candidates will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Significant publications in high-impact forensic mental health or related journals, including the International Journal of Forensic Mental Health;
- Meaningful theoretical, empirical, or methodological contributions to forensic mental health research;
- Work with the potential for broad impact on forensic mental health practice, policy, or understanding;
- Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in research.
Early Excellence in Clinical or Policy Work: The Christopher D. Webster Rising Star Award for Excellence in Clinical or Policy Work recognizes an ECP whose contributions have had a meaningful impact on forensic mental health practice, service delivery, and/or policy development.
Candidates will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Development or implementation of innovative forensic mental health clinical interventions, assessments, or treatment programs;
- Significant contributions to forensic mental health policy, including demonstrated leadership in interdisciplinary collaboration, advocacy efforts, legislative initiatives, or systemic improvements;
- Impact on forensic mental health service delivery and the well-being of individuals involved in the justice system;
- Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in forensic mental health practice or policy.
Award Benefits
Recipients of the Christopher D. Webster Rising Star Awards will receive:
- A monetary award of $500 CAD;
- Formal recognition at the IAFMHS Annual Meeting;
- All award winners will be expected to present papers based on their work at a plenary session at the next annual conference of the Association;
- A feature on the IAFMHS website highlighting their achievements;
- A column in the IAFMHS quarterly newsletter recognizing their contributions to the field.
Eligibility and Nomination
Eligible candidates must have obtained their terminal degree within the past five years. Extensions will be considered for nominees who have taken time away from professional work for reasons such as medical leave, disability, family care, or natural disasters. Nomination materials should include documentation supporting the need for an extension if applicable.
Self-nominations are welcomed. Nominations should include:
- Awardee must be a IAFMHS member currently in good standing, and planning on attending the conference at which the award will be given;
- A letter of nomination outlining the candidate’s qualifications and contributions, and the category of award for which the ECP is being nominate;
- A current curriculum vitae;
- Supporting materials demonstrating excellence in clinical or policy work (e.g., publications, policy documents, program descriptions, impact statements);
- Two letters of reference from established professionals in the field. The nominating or supporting letters need not be from members of IAFMHS.
Nominations with letters of support need to be submitted by 15 May 2025 to iafmhs@sfu.ca
Selection Process
The IAFMHS Awards Committee, chaired by the Past President will evaluate nominees based on the stated criteria and select recipients who exemplify the promise of excellence in forensic mental health research, clinical practice, or policy work. Evaluators will also consider evidence of mentorship and service to IAFMHS and the broader community. Final decisions will be made with consideration of the nominee’s overall impact and potential for continued contributions to the field.