Agnes Higgins Award in Maternal-Fetal Nutrition
Recognizing distinguished achievement in research, education or clinical services in the field of maternal-fetal nutrition.
The Agnes Higgins Award offers one recipient a cash award not tied to any research aims.
A pioneer in devising methods of nutritional assessment and counseling, Mrs. Higgins greatly advanced the understanding of healthy eating and nutrition as a crucial factor in healthy pregnancy and prevention of low birthweight. While science, technology and discovery in the maternal health field has progressed and researchers have begun asking ever more nuanced questions, nutrition remains at the forefront of a healthy pregnancy, with an increasing body of data pointing to its interconnectedness to maternal morbidity and mortality, as well as fetal and neonatal health.
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Award: A cash prize, a commemorative award reflecting the honor, and a presentation at the Pediatric Academic Society annual meeting Areas of Research: maternal-fetal nutrition Open to: those candidates widely involved in maternal-fetal nutrition through teaching, research and/or clinical practice for at least five years |
Note: current cycle is now open Nomination window opens: April 8, 2024 How to nominate:
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To apply for the Agnes Higgins Award, candidates must have been widely involved in maternal-fetal nutrition through teaching, research and/or clinical practice for at least five years; shown a demonstrable effect in raising the quality of maternal-fetal nutritional care through scholarly pursuits, research, education and/or practice; and demonstrated an ability to apply maternal-fetal nutritional standards of practice and/or facilitate their implementation by others.
Nominations are accepted from those in the field as well as previous Agnes Higgins awardees. Self-nominations are accepted. If you would like a nomination package and more details, please contact Courtney Dower, Sr. Manager Research Grants, at [email protected]
How to nominate:
Download a nomination form here and a copy of the Call for Nominations including instructions here or request a nomination form and call for nominations document by email from Courtney Dower, Sr. Manager Research Grants at [email protected] and then submit it with all required attachments back to [email protected] by August 9, 2024.
Required attachments include:
- A written description of the nominee’s achievements in maternal-fetal nutrition (300 word maximum)
- A list of nominee’s publications most relevant to the achievement for which the nomination is made
- The nominee’s curriculum vitae
- Letters from colleagues in support of the nominee’s qualifications and achievements (maximum of seven)
- Manuscript samples (maximum of three)
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 if not possible. 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 MOD and use good faith efforts to help MOD 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 the 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.
All these things we do so that our awardees can be successful now and in the future…
Questions:
Please direct any questions to [email protected].
2024 Award Recipient
2022-23 Award Recipient
2021 Award Recipient
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
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