Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research Issues Call for Nominations

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., Dec. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research today opens its 2012 call for nominations. This prestigious award recognizes individuals whose scientific research has made, or has the potential to make, significant transformational contributions toward the improvement of human health. Nominations are available at www.pauljanssenaward.com and will be accepted until February 15, 2012, for consideration by an independent selection committee of world renowned scientists. A $100,000 cash prize will be awarded to the scientist or group of scientists receiving the Award.

The Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research honors Dr. Paul Janssen (1926-2003), who is widely recognized as one of the most productive scientists of the 20th century. Known by colleagues throughout the scientific community as "Dr. Paul," Janssen was responsible for breakthrough treatments in disease areas including pain management, psychiatry, infectious disease and gastroenterology and founded Janssen Pharmaceutica, N.V., a Johnson & Johnson Company.

"We are proud to recognize and celebrate outstanding scientists who are making significant contributions to the research and development of critical new medicines, and who exemplify Dr. Paul's passion for medical innovation that addresses patient need," said Paul Stoffels, M.D., Worldwide Chairman, Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson, who worked for many years alongside Dr. Janssen.

In September 2011, the Award was presented to Napoleone Ferrara, M.D., Genentech Fellow, for his central role in the discovery of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the core signaling molecule of angiogenesis. Dr. Ferrara's research opened the door to the development of a new class of therapeutics to combat a serious eye disorder and contributed to the development of new oncology therapeutics.

Previous Award winners include Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID); Erik De Clercq, M.D., Ph.D., chairman, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School at the Catholic University of Leuven; Axel Ullrich, Ph.D., director, Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry in Germany; Professor Marc Feldmann, FMedSci, FAA, FRS, and Emeritus Professor Sir Ravinder Maini, FRCP, FMedSci, FRS, of the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Imperial College London; and Craig Mello, Ph.D., Nobel Laureate, of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and University of Massachusetts Medical School.

"Scientists across the globe work tirelessly to achieve significant and lasting contributions to improving health and well being," said Harlan Weisman, M.D., chief science and technology officer, Medical Devices & Diagnostics, Johnson & Johnson. "In acknowledging and rewarding those contributions, The Dr. Paul Janssen Award inspires us all to embody the scientific passion, compassion and leadership for which Dr. Paul was so well loved and respected."

Beyond the passion and creativity Dr. Paul demonstrated in the laboratory, he also inspired and mentored many young scientific leaders who went on to great achievements in addressing medical need.

"As in past years, we look forward to selecting a 2012 Dr. Paul Janssen Award winner from among the nominations of worthy individuals in research institutions and companies around the world, who has significantly improved human health through dedication to the advancement of science and medicine," said Craig Mello, Ph.D., Professor, Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School and 2012 chair of the Dr. Paul Janssen Award Selection Committee.

The 2012 Dr. Paul Janssen Award winner will be announced in spring 2012.

About The Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research
Established by Johnson & Johnson, The Dr. Paul Janssen Award salutes the most passionate and creative scientists in basic or clinical research whose scientific achievements have made, or have strong potential to make, a measurable impact on human health. The Dr. Paul Janssen Award is named for Dr. Paul Janssen, who founded Janssen Pharmaceutica, N.V. in 1953. Known to his colleagues as "Dr. Paul," Janssen was one of the 20th century's most gifted and passionate researchers, a physician-scientist who helped save millions of lives through his contribution to the discovery and development of more than 80 medicines, four of which remain on the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines. In 1961, Janssen Pharmaceutica, N.V. joined the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies. Janssen's legacy continues to inspire Johnson & Johnson and its commitment to finding innovative cures for unmet medical needs. Visit www.pauljanssenaward.com for more information.

About Johnson & Johnson
Caring for the world, one person at a time... inspires and unites the people of Johnson & Johnson. We embrace research and science -- bringing innovative ideas, products and services to advance the health and well-being of people. Our approximately 117,000 employees at more than 250 Johnson & Johnson companies work with partners in healthcare to touch the lives of over a billion people every day, throughout the world.

Contact:
Seema Kumar
Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson
908-218-6460 or [email protected]

Diane Pressman
Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson
908-927-6171 or [email protected]

Frederik Wittock
Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson
+32 14 60 57 24 or [email protected]  

SOURCE Johnson & Johnson