Stanford honors Professor Azevedo with Faculty Women's Forum Outstanding Leader Award

Stanford — Professor Inês Azevedo has received Stanford University's 2026 Faculty Women's Forum Outstanding Leader Award in recognition of her exceptional leadership and commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion and advancing the success of women faculty.

Established in 2020, the Faculty Women's Forum Awards recognize Stanford faculty members whose leadership strengthens the university community through mentorship, advocacy, and the creation of opportunities for women scholars. The Outstanding Leader Award honors faculty leaders who have demonstrated an outstanding record of developing an inclusive culture while supporting and advancing women faculty within their departments, schools, centers, institutes, and laboratories.

Professor Azevedo was recognized for her leadership in building collaborative and inclusive research communities. Most notably, she founded and led the EARNEST Consortium, an innovative research effort that brings together 21 institutions, more than 130 researchers, and a broad network of students, faculty, national laboratories, industry partners, and organizations to address critical energy and sustainability challenges. Through this initiative, she has created opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and leadership development across institutions and career stages, while helping cultivate a research environment in which women faculty can thrive.

"I am deeply honored by this recognition by the Stanford Faculty Women's Forum - and incredibly grateful that nominators took the time and effort to submit an application. The awards event was such a special moment: it was a joy to learn more about all Stanford women awardees and the exceptional work they are all doing," said Professor Azevedo.

Professor Azevedo joins a distinguished group of Stanford faculty recognized for advancing inclusive excellence through leadership and service. The award reflects Stanford's commitment to fostering environments where all faculty members can achieve their full potential and contribute to the university's mission of research, education, and societal impact.

Through her leadership, Professor Azevedo has demonstrated how inclusive academic communities can strengthen scientific innovation, expand opportunities for women scholars, and accelerate progress on some of society's most pressing energy and sustainability challenges. The Faculty Women's Forum Outstanding Leader Award recognizes both her commitment to excellence in research and her lasting contributions to building a more inclusive and supportive academic environment.

More information about the award: https://facultydevelopment.stanford.edu/faculty-engagement/faculty-womens-forum/faculty-womens-forum-awards