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The Anthony J. Drexel Exceptional Achievement Award - Honoring Researchers Who Are Making a Difference

About the Award

Drexel University believes that an academic institution has a responsibility to work on real-world challenges in partnership with neighboring communities and beyond. Drexel is committed to excellence in translational research—rigorous academic work that tangibly translates into intellectual progress and social good.

Each year, Drexel's president and provost select a field of study for the award and appoint a distinguished panel of experts including faculty and academic leaders from the University and elsewhere to choose a recipient. The recipient receives an award of $100,000 and is honored at spring and fall events on Drexel's campus including an awards gala and academic seminars.

The Anthony J. Drexel Exceptional Achievement Award was made possible through the generous support of an anonymous Drexel alumnus. Thanks to the donor's contribution, Drexel has established a leadership position in recognizing the importance of "use-inspired," translational research nationwide.

The 2009 Inaugural Award: Biomedical Engineering/Life Sciences

The first Anthony J. Drexel Exceptional Achievement Award will honor a faculty member in biomedical engineering or life sciences currently employed at an institution of higher education or a non-profit research institution in the United States. The innovative translational research of this scholar, scientist, engineer or clinician should push the frontiers of his or her field, with outcomes that address unmet problems in health care or otherwise touch the lives of people and hence have the power to change the world.

Translational refers to research or creative endeavors driven by real-world problems demanding solutions that translate from the laboratory to human betterment. The application of engineering principles, techniques and practices to medicine and health care leads to life-saving and life-enhancing solutions. The marriage of engineering, life sciences and medicine constitutes the foundation of the next generation of health care industries.

2009 Award Committee Chair: Richard E. Caruso, Ph.D.

Dr. Caruso is chairman of Integra LifeSciences, the innovative, market-leading international medical device company he founded in New Jersey in 1989. He is also a founder and member of The Provco Group, which since 1978 has organized and provided funding for a variety of entrepreneurs and complex business activities and currently manages $500 million in assets. Dr. Caruso was named the 2006 National Entrepreneur of the Year both in life sciences and overall by Ernst & Young. He is the creator of the Uncommon Individual Foundation, a non-profit organization that encourages individuals to form and follow their dreams of personal success.