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.

Nora Volkow, MD, was born in Mexico City and received her medical degree from National University of Mexico and went on to conduct postdoctoral research at New York University. She completed her psychiatric residency and spent time at the Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). Dr. Volkow was appointed the Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institute of Health in 2003. Dr. Volkow has received a plethora of awards, including being part of an Emmy-award winning show HBO’s The Addiction Project with two NIH agencies in 2007 and was named Innovator of the Year in 2000 by U.S. News & World Report before joining NIH. Time Magazine named Dr. Volkow “Top 100 People Who Shape our World.”

Learn more about the Builders of Science Award.