March of Dimes Richard B. Johnston, Jr., MD Prize
Celebrating scientists who have dedicated their lives to translational research
The March of Dimes Richard B. Johnston, Jr., MD Prize honors outstanding scientists who profoundly advance the science that underlies our understanding of pregnancy, parturition, and prenatal development. Created as a tribute to Dr. Jonas Salk shortly before his death in 1995, the Prize has been awarded annually since 1996. It’s now named in recognition of Dr. Johnston, March of Dimes Medical Director as the Prize was initiated. He is a member of the National Academy of Medicine.
To date, six recipients have gone on to win Nobel Prizes. March of Dimes awarded the 2022-23 prize to Dr. Patricia Hunt, Regents Professor in the School of Molecular Bioscience at Washington State University. Dr. Hunt made instrumental discoveries in how prenatal development is impacted by aging, mistakes in cell division, and environmental exposures. View list of previous recipients.
The Prize carries a cash award and a physical commemorative award presented to the awardee at the Society for Reproductive Investigation (SRI) Annual Meeting where the awardee will also give a lecture.
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Award details: Cash prize, commemorative award, and a President’s Talk at the Society for Reproductive Investigation Annual Meeting Areas of Research: Prenatal development and pregnancy and parturition Open to: Nominees are scientific leaders who have pioneered research to advance our understanding of prenatal development and pregnancy and parturition. March of Dimes looks for candidates whose work involves translational and impactful scientific discoveries that may lead to interventions or preventions that improve the health of moms and babies. |
Note: The current cycle is now closed
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Nominations are welcome for late career, outstanding scientists who have profoundly advanced the science around prenatal development, pregnancy and birth, and who do not hold current or active March of Dimes grants or contracts.
Nominations may come from any scientists in the field who can provide a compelling nomination package for scientific leaders who have pioneered research to advance our understanding of prenatal development and pregnancy. No self-nominations are accepted.
Nominators should submit the below information via email attachment to [email protected] by September 13, 2024.
The nomination must include the following information in this order:
NOMINATOR'S INFORMATION
- Name
- Professional title and affiliation
- Address
- Telephone number
- E-mail address
- Signature
CANDIDATE'S PERSONAL INFORMATION
- Name
- Professional title and affiliation
- Address
- Telephone number
- E-mail address
CANDIDATE NOMINATION INFORMATION
- Curriculum vitae
- A narrative biographic sketch (250 words)
- Statement of the nomination describing the impact of work in our understanding of prenatal development and pregnancy (150 words)
- Summary of scientific contributions on which nomination is based
Of note: Self nominations are not accepted, and nominees must be available to give a lecture during the 2025 Society for Reproductive Investigation Annual meeting on March 25-29, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
March of Dimes works with a variety of researchers from around the world. It is our hope that our awardees view their time as scholars, grantees, or center partners as mutually beneficial, and with value beyond the monetary consideration.
We expect our awardees to attend key meetings that pertain to their award program, or assign an appropriate delegate. We expect members of our research centers to collaborate scientifically and collegially with other centers or non-profit organizations that are identified during the course of the award period. We expect that our awardees will attend scientific meetings that may be established by March of Dimes and use good faith efforts to help March of Dimes raise funds for future awards through attendance at some events, interviews, or other public-facing opportunities.
We expect our awardees to make an impact on the thematic areas outlined in our strategic plan as they relate to their awards. To that end, we expect awardees to notify us of publications, posters, and presentations so that we may help to amplify their good work to the public.
These efforts are intended to amplify success of our current and future awardees.
Questions:
Please direct any questions to [email protected]
2024 March of Dimes Prize Winner
2022-23 March of Dimes Prize Winner
2021 March of Dimes Prize Winner
Making an Impact with Research
March of Dimes research is focused on making an impact NOW to end preventable preterm birth; we do this by approaching research in several key ways. At both the bench and bedside– through descriptive research that aims to characterize and understand the factors that lead to preterm birth and other adverse outcomes; and through work that leads to mitigation and prevention of preterm birth- through therapeutics, diagnostics, and/or policy changes.
We know that pregnancy is complex. March of Dimes research approach takes a whole-system view and brings the best talent and minds to bear, so we can make a difference in our lifetime.
Recent examples
- How are we making a difference: March of Dimes research programs have made discoveries that lead to direct impact on the health of moms, babies, and their families.
- PRC microbiome studies leading to bedside testing; rapid, low cost predictive testing.
- Early detection of preeclampsia and other adverse pregnancy outcomes through several approaches, including cell-free RNA, data analytics, and other diagnostic markers.
- Understanding maternal-infant nutrition, to wit, NEC and how breastfeeding can improve outcomes
Your Support Helps us Fund Research
There are a number of ways to support research at March of Dimes. Your time – through volunteering at events, raising awareness in your community, and recruiting new and impactful researcher to our network; your attention – by focused attention on how research can impact your community, your country, and the global family; and your resources – by way of funding, access to your network, and getting involved in research directly.
We need your help to continue developing diagnostics, therapeutics, and understanding of the complex factors that lead to preterm birth, maternal and infant morbidity and mortality, and overall adverse outcomes in pregnancy. Moms, Babies, and their Families can’t wait for you to step up and get involved.
Join our amazing volunteer community and make a difference in maternal and infant health across the country.
Advocate for healthy moms and strong babies with March of Dimes. Join our network and make a difference in maternal and infant health.
Help save moms and babies nationwide with your donation. Support lifesaving research and advocacy at March of Dimes.
