The Union and Otsuka open nominations for 2nd global TB research and innovation award
Now in its second year, the annual programme recognises young leaders in TB research and furthers a global health partnership committed to fighting TB in high-burden regions.
Honorees will receive grant to attend an international training in TB clinical management and attend the 46th Union World Conference on Lung Health in Cape Town, South Africa.
The deadline for applications is 24 May 2015. Learn more about the global award.
For the second straight year, in recognition of World TB Day, The Union and Otsuka SA (Otsuka) announced the call for nominations and self-nominations for the Young Innovator in TB Research Award, aimed at recognising young scientists who have pursued innovative advancements in tuberculosis (TB) research.
“We’re losing speed in the fight against TB,” said José Luis Castro, Executive Director of The Union. “We in the global TB community have committed to a goal of reducing annual TB deaths by 90 percent by 2035. We will never meet this goal unless we inject fresh thinking and truly innovative approaches into the fight against TB. Our partnership with Otsuka on this award allows us to encourage the next generation of researchers who will play a pivotal role in developing new tools and approaches against this disease.”
The first Young Innovator in TB Research Award was given last year at the 45th Union World Conference in Barcelona where Dr Julian Villalba was honored for his research on diagnostic systems in pediatric TB among indigenous communities in his home country of Venezuela.
“Diagnosing TB in children is a significant obstacle for clinicians and the community as a whole has struggled to find a solution. As a recipient of this award, my work has the potential to drive critical advancements in pediatric TB and influence health policy around the world,” Villalba said.
The Global Award
The Young Innovator in TB Research Award is open to clinicians and researchers worldwide who have documented significant research achievements in TB control and clinical management. Appropriate candidates will be no more than five years from post-graduation (MPH or PhD) or final medical specialty training. Honorees will receive a full fellowship to attend the 46th Union World Conference on Lung Health in Cape Town, South Africa on 2–6 December 2015, providing a unique opportunity to interact with and discuss their research with leading scholars, advocates and civil society representatives of the global TB community. The winner will also receive a full scholarship to attend an international training course on TB organised by The Union.
“Otsuka has always believed that the fight against TB is one with a unique set of challenges, and because of this, it’s critical to identify progressive solutions,” said Masuhiro Yoshitake, Executive Operating Officer of Otsuka and TB Global Project Leader. “Through this award, we further our company philosophy of inspiring others to think outside the box.”
The global honoree will be selected by a panel of leading respiratory physicians organised independently by The Union. Nominees will be assessed on:
- The innovative component of their research, as well as its scientific rigor and quality;
- The extent of the originality and potential impact of their work on TB control and TB-affected communities; and
- The extent to which the Young Innovator in TB Research Award might contribute to furthering the nominee's work in the fight against TB.
The deadline for nominations/applications is 24 May 2015. To learn more about the global award, go to www.tbinnovators.org
Source: The Union
