Call for Applications

IPEC COF Excellence in Interprofessional Education Collaboration Award

The IPEC COF Excellence in Interprofessional Education Collaboration Award recognizes interprofessional teams whose collaborative efforts have made a meaningful impact on community health, health knowledge, awareness, and behavior.

Presented jointly by IPEC and the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Officers Foundation for the Advancement of Public Health (COF), this annual award celebrates innovative approaches to interprofessional education and collaborative practice that improve health outcomes and strengthen communities.


Who Should Apply?

Applications are encouraged from teams representing the broad range of IPEC member institutions, including public and private institutions, large and small programs, and dedicated IPE centers.

Projects must:

  • Include collaborators from two or more health professions
  • Demonstrate a clear relationship between interprofessional collaboration, outcomes, and community impact
  • Align with the IPEC Core Competencies for Interprofessional Collaborative Practice
  • Be submitted through a Health Professions School Dean or designated IPE/IPP center

Projects previously submitted but not selected may be resubmitted with a new application.


Why Apply?

  • Showcase your team's achievements and impact
  • Highlight innovative approaches to interprofessional collaboration
  • Gain national recognition for your program or institution
  • Share promising practices with the broader IPE community
  • Inspire future collaborations that improve health outcomes

What Makes a Strong Application?

Reviewers look for projects that demonstrate:

  • Meaningful interprofessional collaboration
  • Innovation and creativity
  • Measurable outcomes and impact
  • Clear connection to community needs
  • Sustainable approaches to improving health and well-being

Application Requirements

A complete application includes:

  • Signed application checklist
  • Cover sheet with project summary
  • Two-page narrative describing the project and documenting impact
  • Abbreviated Principal Investigator CV (6 pages or fewer)
  • Outline of collaborator roles
  • Letter of support from the Dean or IPE center leader

Optional supplemental materials may include:

  • Photos
  • Presentation slides (12 slides or fewer)
  • Short video

References and supplemental materials do not count toward the two-page narrative limit.


Key Dates

MilestoneDate
Applications Open Monday, August 3, 2026
Application Deadline Monday, February 1, 2027
Notification of Awardees Tuesday, March 30, 2027

Resources

Before submitting, please review:


Ready to Apply?

Applications will open soon.

Join colleagues across the health professions in advancing collaborative practice and improving community health through interprofessional education.


Questions?

For questions about the award or application process, email [email protected].