Annual IDCRC Awards

Best Scientific Publication of the Year: Wilbur Chen, MD, MS, and the NmCV-5 EPI Study Group​

University of Maryland

Category Description:

IDCRC cited publication in the last year that is considered to have had a high impact on the scientific community and/or has led to policy change.

Nomination Excerpts: 

• This paper demonstrates that maternal COVID-19 vaccination leads to higher neutralizing antibody titers against SARS CoV-2 and, in turn, a lower risk of acquiring SARS CoV-2 infection in the first six months of life.

Publication:

 “Safety and immunogenicity of a pentavalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine targeting serogroups A, C, W, Y, and X when co-administered with routine childhood vaccines at ages 9 months and 15 months in Mali: a single-centre, double-blind, randomised, controlled, phase 3, non-inferiority trial​. The Lancet 405: 1027-1118” 

Early Career Investigator: Elizabeth A.D. Hammershaimb​, MD, MS

Assistant professor, University of Maryland

Category Description:

Recent graduate or current participant of the IDCRC Mentoring Program who has made exceptional contributions to research as it relates to the VTEU and IDCRC missions.

 Nomination Excerpts: 

• A well-established early career investigator within the IDCRC, this investigator has played an important role in many of the studies, including Gritstone, MixNMatch, and the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine trial.
• Academically productive, with 30 peer-reviewed articles and three book chapters.
• Participant in the mentee program, IDCRC pilot award recipient, and a protocol chair for the DMID next-generation vaccine clinical trials.

Investigator of the Year: Hana El Sahly​, MD

Professor,​ Baylor College of Medicine

Category Description:

Well-established VTEU investigator who has made exceptional contributions to research as it relates to the VTEU and IDCRC missions.

 Nomination Excerpts: 

• This investigator demonstrates exceptional leadership in the PROMISE study, which led to its successful protocol development and implementation to assess the safety and immunogenicity of the RSV maternal vaccine and Nirsevimab.
• This investigator has shown tremendous leadership skills, diligence, and scientific rigor in their role as both protocol chair and the Emory site PI for the PROMISE study. They developed the concept, wrote the protocol, and have shepherded its implementation across eight sites.
• In a characteristically calm manner, this individual has organized, coordinated, and led both the science and the logistical machinery of this study.
• Their passion for protecting children from RSV and their equanimity have inspired everyone on the PROMISE team and the entire IDCRC.

Leadership Group Award: Jodie Dionne​, MD, MSPH

Leadership Operations Center (LOC) co-director

Category Description:

IDCRC member who has demonstrated exemplary leadership in their commitment to the IDCRC LG aims.

Nomination Excerpts: 

• This individual has shown great leadership in coordinating the activities of the LG and working across the various operational groups and with DMID and the VTEUs.
• They are organized, well informed, and have great anticipation for problems that may arise.
• The bottom line is that they do a tremendous job at problem-solving and communication. And to top it off, they are personable, friendly, and wonderful to work with.  They are well deserving of this recognition.

Staff STAR (Stellar Team Member Achieving Results) Award: Marie Samanovic-Golden​, PhD

Research assistant professor, New York University

Category Description:

VTEU coordinator or administrator whose exceptional contribution has advanced and supported the quality of IDCRC-supported research.

 Nomination Excerpts: 

• Instrumental in setting up the challenging PROMISE RSV-infant maternal study, coordinating effectively with the OB clinic and delivery ward. This individual has shared their work and ideas on study calls with other VTEUs to improve processes.
• Additionally, they have led and expanded their VTEU’s Community Advisory Board (CAB) activities, organizing impactful meetings and events, and taking the initiative to develop new educational materials for their community, aimed at educating about vaccine trials and vaccination.
• A dedicated team player, always ready to step in and support colleagues. Innovative ideas, teamwork, and dedication make this individual an outstanding candidate for the Staff STAR Award.