The John S. Adams Award for Excellence in Transportation Research and Education is given to University of Minnesota graduate students demonstrating outstanding academic achievement in planning and public policy fields. Up to two students are honored each year (one master’s and one doctoral candidate).
The award is named in honor of the late John S. Adams, a significant contributor to transportation-related research, education, and outreach activities and a long-time supporter of CTS.
Recipients each receive a $1,500 scholarship award and a plaque from CTS. Awards may be disbursed as a taxable, lump-sum payment. Applications are reviewed by a subcommittee comprised of representation from the CTS Scholars, CTS Education and Engagement Council, and CTS staff. The awards are presented at the Center's Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon. Award recipients and their advisors are invited to attend.
Application Process
Applications for 2026 are now closed. Instructions for the 2027 award will be available by January 2027.
Rules and Requirements
- A student can win the Adams Award only once (even if their degree program has changed).
- Students may apply for the Huber Award or the Adams Award, but not both.
- Awards for master’s students are not limited to terminal master’s degrees. You may apply for the master’s award even if you are continuing into a PhD program.
- Applicants must be active students during semester of the award.
Award Criteria and Scoring
- Academic contributions to transportation- or energy-related research, writing, and other educational activities related to transportation (30 points).
- Applicant capstone project, or transportation- or energy-related papers presented at nationally or internationally recognized conferences and/or submitted or published journal publications (30 points).
- Transportation- or energy-related work experience, coursework, or involvement in student or professional organizations (10 points).
- Applicant written summary responding to questions one and two in the online application (15 points).
- Recommendation by a University faculty member (15 points).
What makes a well-written application summary? Read examples from a previous master's award winner (DOCX) and a previous doctoral award winner (DOCX).
Award Recipients
View a list of recipients of the John S. Adams award.
Questions?
Please contact Carissa Frandrup, CTS program coordinator, at [email protected].