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We are thrilled to announce that Randall has been honored with the prestigious Joseph E. McGrath Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Study of Groups. This distinguished accolade is presented by the Interdisciplinary Network of Group Researchers (INGRoup), an organization that deeply values and actively promotes diversity in both theoretical and methodological perspectives when examining and understanding group processes and outcomes.

The Joseph E. McGrath Award is designed to recognize an individual or an identifiable research team whose extensive work has demonstrated an enduring commitment to advancing the interdisciplinary science of team or small group behavior, dynamics, and outcomes. Professor Peterson’s receipt of this award underscores his significant and lasting contributions to this vital field.

To be considered for this esteemed award, nominees must meet rigorous criteria that speak to the depth and breadth of their impact. The nomination materials, including the letter of nomination and supporting documents, must meticulously address several key areas. These include, but are not limited to, the general nature of the nominee’s contributions to the study of teams or small groups over a substantial period, specifically a minimum of 20 years studying groups and teams. Furthermore, the committee assesses the nominee’s most important theoretical and/or empirical contributions. A crucial aspect of the evaluation is the impact of the nominee’s contributions on the scholarly study of teams or small groups, encompassing the influence their body of work has had on students and colleagues. The award also considers the broader impact that their work has achieved across the various disciplines studying teams or small groups. Additionally, candidates must have maintained a minimum of one year of continuing membership with INGRoup prior to their nomination.

The recognition for the recipient of the Joseph E. McGrath Award is comprehensive and highlights their esteemed status within the group studies community. Awardees are granted a lifetime membership to INGRoup, ensuring their continued connection and participation in the network. They are also recognized at INGRoup conferences, providing a platform for their achievements to be celebrated by peers. As a tangible symbol of their accomplishment, recipients receive a commemorative plaque. A significant honor for the awardee is the invitation to give an address that relates to his, her, or their contributions at the subsequent meeting of INGRoup, offering a valuable opportunity to share insights from their distinguished career. For the year in which this address is given, the recipient also enjoys complimentary conference registration.

The nomination process for the Joseph E. McGrath Award is open and inclusive, with nominations welcomed from any member of INGRoup, including self-nominations. A complete nomination packet typically includes a detailed letter outlining the nominee’s contributions, a current vita, and may also include a small set of materials, such as no more than three representative articles, to illustrate the nominee’s work. To ensure a comprehensive submission, nominators may also include up to three supporting letters in addition to the nominating letter. For those planning to nominate future candidates, the nomination deadline is typically May 1, with the committee’s decision announced to nominees by July 15. The final committee decision is then made public at the annual INGRoup conference. All necessary materials must be submitted to Committee Chair Susannah Paletz via email with the specified subject header.

Professor Peterson’s receipt of this award is a testament to his profound and lasting influence on the study of groups, embodying the spirit and rigorous criteria of the Joseph E. McGrath Award.