$100,000 Exceptional Achievement Faculty Award Announced

Through the philanthropic support of an alumnus, Drexel University has established the $100,000 Anthony J. Drexel Exceptional Achievement Award for faculty nationwide, one of the largest awards of its kind in higher education.

The annual award will have a different area of focus each year and will go to a scholar, scientist, engineer or clinician in the United States. This year the recipient will have demonstrated exceptional activity in innovative translational research that pushes the frontiers of biomedical engineering and related life sciences, and addresses unmet needs in healthcare.

Each year, Drexel will appoint a selection committee composed of distinguished Drexel academics and internationally recognized leaders in their respective field to choose the recipient. This year’s committee is chaired by Richard E. Caruso, founder and board of directors chairman of the New Jersey based Integra Life Sciences and 2006 National Entrepreneur of the Year. John DiNardo, Drexel vice provost of academic affairs, will serve as convener of the committee. The recipient will be honored at spring and fall events at Drexel including an awards gala and academic seminars.

“At Drexel it’s our mission to advance basic and translational research across disciplines,” said Drexel President Constantine Papadakis. “Acknowledging that our contributions to society are supported by the broader intellectual community of researchers, we created the award to recognize individuals whose work transforms both research and the society it serves.”

The University will accept nominations from January 15 through March 15, 2009. To be eligible nominees must be faculty members currently employed at an institution of higher education or a non-profit research institution in the United States, and must be available for the presentation of the award and for post-award academic activities. Drexel faculty are not eligible to apply, but may nominate candidates.

“Universities and university scientists play a critical role in our economy,” said Lesa Mitchell, vice president of Advancing Innovation at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. “This award recognizes the critical skills of identifying scientific innovations with market applications and advancing science to the commercial market. The Kauffman Foundation congratulates Drexel University for taking translational leadership to a new level of awareness.”

Top-tier research universities in the United States are invited to nominate candidates for the Anthony J. Drexel Exceptional Achievement Award. Nominations will be accepted from individuals in higher education, other scientists regardless of their employment status at universities and colleges, foundations or appropriate governmental agencies. Individuals may also nominate themselves.

Criteria for choosing the recipient are: impact of the individual’s research and discovery on new medical treatment(s) to address societal needs; scientific/technological productivity and impact as evidenced by publications, presentations, citations, awards, patents, research funding; effectiveness in translating basic research to clinical trials and/or treatment approaches; recognition in the broader community; impact on training of students and other individuals to further advance the area of translational medicine; and the institution’s ability to grow translational research.

The achievement award is named for Drexel University’s founder Anthony Joseph Drexel (1826-1893), one of the most influential financiers of the 19th century. Nominations will be accepted electronically. To nominate an individual or for more information, visit www.drexel.edu/achievement.