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Award Categories & Benefactors

Gordon and Llura Gund Leadership Award

Benefactor: Gordon and Llura Gund Foundation

The Gordon and Llura Gund Leadership Award honors volunteer leaders whose significant contributions have made an extraordinary impact on the level of advocacy for medical, public health or other health-related research in their communities or on the local, state, or national level. 

Past Honorees 

Builders of Science Award

The Builders of Science Award recognizes distinguished scientists who have provided inspiration and determination in building or re-building an outstanding home for research. Eligible candidates for the award are highly accomplished medical, health, and scientific research administrators, scientists, and other leaders who have demonstrated their commitment to research advocacy. Individuals who have substantially revitalized an existing institution are also eligible.

Past Honorees 

Isadore Rosenfeld Award for Impact on Public Opinion

Benefactor: Rosenfeld Heart Foundation

The Isadore Rosenfeld Award for Impact on Public Opinion is presented annually to a news media representative or other influential individual who has been extraordinarily effective in delivering medical, public health, or other health-related research advocacy messages to the public. 

Past Honorees 

Herbert Pardes Family Award for National Leadership in Advocacy for Research

Benefactor: Dr. Herbert Pardes

The Herbert Pardes Family Award for National Leadership in Advocacy for Research recognizes individuals who, like Dr. Pardes, have demonstrated distinguished academic leadership and sustained commitment to public engagement and advocacy for research. Individuals selected for this honor will be those who are highly regarded for their ability to communicate the value of research and innovation to a broad array of audiences, and who, by their example and active encouragement, have inspired others to do so.

Past Honorees 

Paul G. Rogers Distinguished Organization Advocacy Award 

Benefactor: Rogers Family Foundation

The Paul G. Rogers Distinguished Organization Advocacy Award salutes the former Congressman and Research!America board chair, who knew the power of the patient and patient groups. This award  honors a public or private organization or institution that is a strong advocate for medical, public health, or other health-related research at the national, state, or local level. 

Past Honorees 

 The Outstanding Achievement in Public Health Awards generously supported by Johnson & Johnson

Benefactor: Johnson & Johnson

Outstanding Achievement in Public Health Award recognizes an individual for their extraordinary work and enormous contributions to public health.  

Building the Foundation Award recognizes one or more individuals whose basic research discoveries have played a pivotal role in advancing public health.    

Rapid Translation Award honors a public-private partnership that has made a critical contribution to public health progress.

Meeting the Moment for Public Health Award  recognizes an individual or organization that has been a “clear voice,” playing a key role in communicating important public health information to the public and rising to the challenge of the day.

Past Honorees 


Board Selected Awards

Edwin C. Whitehead Award for Medical Research Advocacy

Benefactor: Whitehead Charitable Foundation and the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research

The Edwin C. Whitehead Award for Medical Research Advocacy recognizes exemplary leaders, particularly those in public office, who have shown a long-standing commitment to advancing health research as a national priority and who galvanize others in support of science policy and funding. This award is selected by the Board of Directors. 

Past Honorees 

John Edward Porter Legacy Award, generously supported by Ann Lurie 

Benefactor: Ann Lurie

The John Edward Porter Legacy Award, generously supported by Ann Lurie, is awarded to individuals who show outstanding commitment to sustaining the nation’s world-class leadership in medical and health research. This award is selected by the Board of Directors. 

Past Honorees 

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