Awarding Achievements That Improve the Human Condition
Endowed by the Russ Family through Ohio University, the National Academy of Engineering established the Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ Prize in 1999 to recognize outstanding achievement in an engineering field that is currently of critical importance and that contributes to the advancement of science and engineering, as well as improves a person’s quality of life and has widespread application or use.
Awarded biennially, the Russ Prize consists of a $500,000 cash award, a gold medallion and a hand-scribed certificate. NAE members and non-members worldwide are eligible to receive the Russ Prize.
$500,000
awarded biennially
25
innovators awarded since 2001
10
outstanding bioengineering achievements
Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ
Ohio University alumnus Fritz Russ, B.S.E.E. ’42, H.O.N. ’75, an esteemed engineer and founder of Systems Research Laboratories, and his wife, Dolores. The Russes’ multimillion-dollar endowment to Ohio University funds the Russ Prize, honoring the couple’s dedication to education and the field of engineering.
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 “Bert” 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 National Academy of Engineering website . 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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