Guest post: Help celebrate #ChampionsofScience: Nominate a pioneering researcher for the 2018 Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research

Conversations and healthy debate about issues facing our industry and the health care system are critical to addressing some of today’s challenges and opportunities. The Catalyst welcomes guest contributors, including patients, stakeholders, innovators and others, to share their perspectives and point of view. Views represented here may not be those of PhRMA, though they are no less key to a healthy dialogue on issues in health care today.

We are pleased to share a blog post from Seema Kumar, vice president of Innovation, Global Health and Policy Communication at Johnson & Johnson (J&J).

Science holds more promise today than ever before. Across the biopharmaceutical industry, cutting-edge science and innovation is fueling our fight against some of the most devastating and complex diseases of our time, such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, HIVand many others.

However, when you consider the public perception of science today, it’s clear that the promise we see is still shrouded in mystery for many. Now more than ever, we need to engage the public in understanding the importance of science to society and inspire more people to become champions of science.

One of the ways we do this at Johnson & Johnson is by honoring science pioneers with the Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research. We believe that by celebrating today’s innovative researchers, we can showcase the impact of scientific discovery and inspire a greater understanding and appreciation for science.

This award honors the legacy of Dr. Paul Janssen, one of the most innovative pharmaceutical researchers of the 20th century and the founder of Janssen Pharmaceutica, N.V., now part of the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies. Since 2004, we’ve recognized 15 of today’s most outstanding scientists who’ve made breakthrough discoveries that make a difference in our world.

Dr. Paul believed that there are no limits to what science can do. He was driven by an all-consuming passion to solve medical needs and to help those who were suffering, especially in the most vulnerable parts of the world. This passion led him to discover and develop more than 80 new medicines, including many that are on the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines. 

Each year, the Dr. Paul Janssen Award’s independent selection committee of world-renowned scientists reviews nominations from passionate and creative researchers working in industry, academia and government institutions around the globe.

I encourage you to nominate a researcher whose work has made, or has the potential to make, a meaningful impact on human health. It only takes 15 minutes to be a champion of science and shine a spotlight on a deserving scientist who is making an impact on our world.

Learn more about the Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research and nominate candidates at www.pauljanssenaward.com. Nominations are being accepted online until February 28.

Seema Kumar is the Vice President of Innovation, Global Health and Policy Communication at Johnson & Johnson (J&J). In this position, Seema is responsible for positioning J&J as an innovative company with a focus on caring for the world. She is a champion of science and innovation, STEM, global health and mentoring women.