The University of Florida Research Foundation has named Florida Museum herbarium curator and curator of informatics Nico Cellinese as one of its 2026 UFRF Professors. Cellinese is among 32 additional UF faculty members who were awarded for excelling in their field of research.
UFRF professorships are awarded to faculty members who have established a strong record of research excellence while demonstrating the capacity to shape their fields in meaningful and lasting ways. Since the program’s inception in 1997, the foundation has recognized over a thousand UF researchers whose scholarship contributes to the university’s national and international impact.
“UFRF Professors represent the depth and breadth of research excellence at the University of Florida,” said David Norton, UF’s vice president for research. “Their work reflects sustained scholarly achievement, leadership within their disciplines, and a commitment to pursuing new knowledge that benefits society.”
Recipients are selected through a peer‑driven process, with nominations submitted by department chairs and reviewed by college leadership. Evaluations consider recent research accomplishments, including publications, external funding, honors and awards; intellectual property development; and other indicators appropriate to each discipline.
Each professorship is for three years and includes a $5,000 annual salary supplement and a one‑time $3,000 research grant, funded through the university’s share of royalties and licensing revenue from UF‑generated innovations. UF Research will recognize the 2026 UFRF Professors at a university event later this year.
A full list of this year’s UF Research Foundation Professors is available on the University of Florida’s news site.
Source: Nico Cellinese, ncellinese@flmnh.ufl.edu
Media contact: Jerald Pinson, jpinson@flmnh.ufl.edu, 352-294-0452