Research!America Calls for Entries for Discovery | Innovation | Health Prize
ARLINGTON, VA – Launched today, Research!America’s 2023 Discovery | Innovation | Health Prize will recognize and provide support for a researcher or clinician with a bold vision for progress against pandemic threats. The $200,000 prize, generously supported by Pfizer, will be awarded in Washington, DC, in September 2023. Nominations are now open through June 15 and applicants can apply through the website.
“The last few years have reminded us all of the danger of complacency. Our best defense against global health threats with pandemic-level potential to take lives, shatter health, and upend prosperity is to invest in discovery and innovation,” said Mary Woolley, Research!America President and CEO. “We are excited for the opportunity to recognize and support a visionary scientist for their commitment to preparing us to confront head-on whatever threats we may soon face.”
Competitive applicants are true trailblazers – those who have contributed in important ways to progress against COVID-19 or whose work shows tremendous potential in addressing future pandemics. Applications are welcome from any of these fields or combination of fields: Biology, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Medicine, or Technology (such as AI or Data Science).
Applications are open May 16 through June 15, and will be reviewed by an independent jury chaired by Victor Dzau, MD, President of the National Academy of Medicine, and a Research!America Board member.
“I am honored to lead the jury in selecting the first recipient of the Discovery | Innovation | Health Prize,” said Dr. Dzau. “Pandemic threats continue to grow in frequency and yet they remain a neglected dimension of global security. This prize is an opportunity to spotlight and advance an example of our nation’s best thinking about how to better prepare ourselves and our world for the inevitable unknown. I am optimistic that as we support innovative ideas, the human race can work together, move faster, act boldly, and invest wisely to build a stronger foundation for the future.”
Applications are welcome from individuals affiliated with a U.S.-based organization (e.g., academic research institution, academic medical center, independent research organization, non-profit organization, or for-profit company), including U.S.-global partnerships.
“There is an urgent need for better pandemic preparedness and response planning, and excellent work happening across the health innovation ecosystem to fend off potential threats,” said Mikael Dolsten, MD, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer and President of Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Pfizer. “In supporting this award, Pfizer’s hope is that we are able to expedite the pace of great ideas moving forward and crystalize them into good practices in the event of a future outbreak.”
Visit the website for more details or to apply for the 2023 Discovery | Innovation | Health Prize.
Contact Tim Haynes, Senior Director of Communications, at 571-482-2737 or [email protected] with press inquiries.