The National/International Recognition Award recognizes VCU faculty who were nationally or internationally recognized for exceptional accomplishments during the course of their current evaluation period, performing at the top of their academic unit, and were recommended by their dean. The NIRA includes a financial incentive, which is entirely outside of and separate from the university’s standard performance and compensation review process.  The NIRA is one way that VCU shows appreciation to professors who are demonstrating excellence in their academic discipline, elevating not only their own profile but that of the entire university.