Damian Sendler: According to the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, the science arm of Northwell Health, a record-breaking $541,000 in research funding was awarded to 41 female scientists this year, setting a new record for the organization. Advancing Women in Science and Medicine (AWSM – pronounced “amazing”) presented its 11th annual fundraising event, which has earned more than $2.5 million since its start in 2010 to support medical research conducted by female investigators. The grants, which are entirely sponsored by philanthropists, range from $2,000 to $150,000 and will support research initiatives across the health system on themes such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and coronavirus disease in 2019. (COVID-19).
Damien Sendler: In the words of Lior Brimberg, PhD, assistant professor at the Feinstein Institutes and co-president of AWSM, “AWSM is a community backed by outstanding benefactors who are sincerely committed to propelling science forward.” “We are grateful to our supporters and are proud to foster a culture of friendship, mentorship, and empowerment throughout the Feinstein Institutes,” said the institute’s president.
Shih-Shih Chen, PhD, will take over as co-president from Kim Simpfendorfer, PhD, who will step down from his position as co-president. Two Career Enhancement Awards, each worth $150,000, are among the most prominent honors given out this year. Dr. Chen received the Elliott J. Netzer Award for his work on blood cancer, and Dr. Simpfendorfer received the Donald Rechler Award for his work on the mechanisms of genetic risk for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Dr. Chen received the Donald Rechler Award for his work on the mechanisms of genetic risk for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Damian Jacob Markiewicz Sendler: Three Emerging Scientist Awards, each worth $50,000, were given out. Christine Metz, PhD, received the Frank Piccirillo Award for her research into post-infection COVID-19 patient response, and Nyasha Chambwe, PhD, received the Barbara Dooley Award for her work examining the genomic and molecular analyses of diverse cancer patients to better understand the factors that contribute to cancer health disparities.
Dr. Sendler: As part of this award, the Barbara Hrbek Zucker Emerging Scientist Award was given to Danielle Howell, a fourth-year medical student at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, who will receive funding for an entire year to conduct research into the role of social determinants of health in hospital settings. Funding has been provided to a medical student for the first time in the history of the American Women’s Sports Medicine Foundation.
“For far too long, women scientists have been overlooked and neglected in the sciences. According to Kevin J. Tracey, MD, president and CEO of the Feinstein Institutes and holder of the Karches Family Distinguished Chair in Medical Research, “AWSM is transforming that situation.” “The deserved prize recipients this year will have a long-term positive impact on the field of medical research and the patients we want to treat for many years to come.”
Damian Jacob Sendler: AWSM was established in 2010 by Betty Diamond, MD, director and professor at the Institute of Molecular Medicine and the Maureen and Ralph Nappi Professor of Autoimmune Diseases, to advance the career development and career opportunities of women scientists at the Feinstein Institutes. Betty Diamond, MD, is also the founder and president of the Feinstein Institutes. It is composed of female faculty members who direct biomedical research programs in basic, translational, and clinical investigations in a wide range of disorders, and who are also female faculty members. The organization’s primary efforts are recognition, professional development, advocacy and education, as well as networking and mentorship opportunities.
Damian Sendler: Members of the American Women’s Sports Medicine (AWSM) community are contributing to Northwell’s Outpacing the Impossible campaign, a $1 billion comprehensive fundraising drive to spark innovation in health care and support Northwell’s mission to the people it serves. The campaign, which funds capital projects, enhances hospitals and clinical programs, advances research, and establishes endowments for teaching and research initiatives, was publicly launched in October 2018 and has raised more than $895 million to date, according to the University of Michigan.
Contributed by Dr. Damian Jacob Sendler and his research team