Society for Women’s Health Research Accepting Nominations for Prize for Contributions to Women’s Health

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 3, 2008) — Nominations are now being accepted for the 2008 Society for Women’s Health Research Medtronic Prize for Scientific Contributions to Women’s Health. The annual $75,000 prize recognizes a woman scientist or engineer for her contributions to women’s health. It also encourages women scientists and engineers to work on issues uniquely related to women’s health and rewards women who have devoted a significant part of their careers to this area.

“Women’s health deserves a specific and careful research focus because it is different from men’s health at a biological level across so many conditions, diseases and organ systems,” said Jo Parrish, vice president of institutional advancement for the Society, a Washington, D.C., based non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the health of all women through research, education and advocacy. “Women scientists need recognition of their work, as well as encouragement to continue research in key fields of health. This award brings attention and support to two areas of great importance to women.”

The prize will be given to an outstanding scientist or engineer in mid-career whose work has led or will lead directly to the improvement of women’s health. The recipient’s commitment to sex differences research and their success as a role model and as a mentor will be noted.

The award winner will be selected by a panel of eight scientists selected by the Society. Full selection criteria and the award’s application process are available here. The application deadline is Jan. 28, 2008, and the award will be presented at the Society’s annual gala on April 28, 2008, in Washington, D.C.

Founded in 1990, the Society brought to national attention the need for the appropriate inclusion of women in major medical research studies and the need for more information about conditions affecting women disproportionately, predominately, or differently than men. Medtronic, Inc., based in Minneapolis, is a global leader in medical technology. The Medtronic Foundation is committed to helping people live healthy and productive lives. Its grant making is focused in three specific areas: health, education and community.

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Contact:
Karen Young
Society for Women’s Health Research
(202) 496-5001 
karen@womenshealthresearch.org