The 2025 Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ Prize recognizes an outstanding bioengineering achievement by Ian Shanks in widespread use that improves the human condition.
Russ Prize
Fritz J. & Dolores H. Russ Prize
The Prestigious Russ Prize: Celebrating Excellence in Bioengineering
The Russ Prize stands as one of the most prestigious honors in the field of bioengineering, celebrating innovation and breakthroughs that significantly impact human health. Established in 1999 through the vision and generosity of Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ, this biennial award is a testament to the power of engineering in improving lives.
$500,000
awarded biennially
26
innovators awarded since 2001
11
outstanding bioengineering achievements
Origins and Vision
Fritz Russ, a pioneering engineer, and his wife Dolores endowed the Russ Prize with a clear mission: to recognize outstanding achievements in bioengineering that have a broad and positive impact on society. Inspired by the achievements in the medical and healthcare fields, the prize acknowledges the contributions of individuals whose work has led to widespread applications and practical benefits.
The Prize and Its Impact
Administered by the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), the Russ Prize includes a $500,000 cash award and a commemorative medallion. The award's significance extends beyond the financial reward, as it brings international recognition to groundbreaking contributions in bioengineering. It highlights the essential role of engineering in medical advancements and encourages further innovation in the field.
Celebrating Innovators
Since its inception, the Russ Prize has honored numerous innovators whose work has transformed medical practices and improved patient outcomes. Recipients of the prize are celebrated not only for their technical achievements but also for their dedication to solving real-world health challenges. These laureates have developed technologies and methodologies that have become integral to modern medicine, such as medical imaging technologies, prosthetics, and biomedical devices.
The Broader Mission
The Russ Prize also aims to inspire future generations of engineers to pursue careers in bioengineering. By showcasing the tangible benefits of engineering in healthcare, the prize serves as a beacon for young innovators and researchers. It underscores the message that engineering is not just about building structures or systems but also about enhancing the quality of human life.
2023 Russ Prize Winner Shares Groundbreaking Research
Dr. David Walt received the 2023 Russ Prize for the development of microwell arrays that have greatly advanced the fields of genomics and proteomics. Watch his presentation or read more about his research.
Previous Russ Prize Winners
| Award Year | Achievement and Recipient(s) |
|---|---|
| 2023 Winner | For the development of microwell arrays that greatly advanced the fields of genomics and proteomics. Dr. David R. Walt |
| 2019 Winners | For innovations in medical devices that enable minimally invasive angioplasty treatment of advanced coronary artery disease. Dr. Julio Cesar Palmaz, Dr. Leonard Pinchuk, Dr. Richard A Schatz, Dr. John B. Simpson, Dr. Paul G. Yock |
| 2017 Winners | For optical coherence tomography, leveraging creative engineering to invent imaging technology essential for preventing blindness and treating vascular and other diseases. Dr. Adolf F. Fercher, Dr. James G. Fujimoto, Dr. Christoph K. Hitzenberger, Dr. David Huang, Eric A. Swanson |
| 2015 Winners | For engineering cochlear implants that enable the deaf to hear. Professor Graeme M. Clark AC, Dr. Erwin Hochmair, Dr. Ingeborg J Hochmair-Desoyer, Dr. Michael M. Merzenich, Professor Blake S. Wilson |
| 2013 Winners | For the development of laser ablative photodecomposition, enabling LASIK and PRK eye surgery. Dr. Samuel E. Blum, Dr. Rangaswamy Srinivasan, Dr. James J. Wynne |
| 2011 Winner | Automating DNA sequencing that revolutionized biomedicine and forensic science. Dr. Leroy E. Hood |
| 2009 Winner | For pioneering the engineering and commercialization of biological systems for large-scale manufacturing of antibiotics and other drugs. Elmer L. Gaden |
| 2007 Winner | For the characterization and modeling of human tissue mechanics and function leading to prevention and mitigation of trauma. Dr. Yuan-Cheng 鈥淏ert鈥 Fung |
| 2005 Winner | For bioengineering membrane-based sensors in medical, food, and environmental applications. Dr. Leland C. Clark |
| 2003 Winner | Pioneering work on artificial organs, beginning with the kidney, thus launching a new field that is benefiting the lives of millions. Dr. Willem J. Kolff |
| 2001 Winners | Independent development of the implantable cardiac pacemaker. Earl E. Bakken, Wilson Greatbatch |
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National Academy of Engineering (NAE)
The National Academy of Engineering of the United States (NAE), a private, nonprofit institution, has dedicated itself to the wise use of technology in this country and around the world. In the United States, the NAE serves as an advisor to the federal government, helping to apply the nation's best engineering talent to the field of public policy. Domestically and abroad, the NAE provides a focal point for engineering excellence by recognizing outstanding engineering achievement and encouraging the study and practice of the engineering disciplines.
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Nominate the Next Winner*
These nomination procedures apply only to the Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ Prize. Nominations must be submitted through the . There are no restrictions on who may nominate candidates for the Prize. NAE members and non-members worldwide are eligible to receive the Russ Prize. Solicitations are sent to members and international members of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, international engineering academies, and other organizations and persons from around the world.
*Note: The nomination window for the 2025 Russ Prize has closed.
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