The competition for the prestigious Vesalius Innovation Award is underway, with early-stage startups in health sciences and publishing aiming for a coveted spot on the shortlist this fall. As the application window has now closed, the jury has commenced their critical role in identifying the most promising candidates.
This year marks the sixth iteration of the Vesalius Innovation Award, which is set to distribute a substantial total of $25,000 in prizes to exceptional applicants. The award winner will be granted $15,000, while the two runners-up will each receive $5,000.
The esteemed jury for this year’s award includes notable industry leaders: Professor Dr. med. Dan Atar, a leading cardiology expert and head of research at Oslo University Hospital; Jignesh Bhate, the founder and CEO of Molecular Connections; and Stephanie Dawson, the CEO of ScienceOpen. They are joined by Dr. Phill Jones, co-founder of Digital and Technology at MoreBrains Cooperative; Hylke Koers, CIO STM; and Daniel Ebneter, CEO of Karger Publishers. Additionally, Kate Gardner, co-founder of scientifyRESEARCH and a runner-up from the previous year, continues her role as a jury member for the second consecutive year.
“The Vesalius Innovation Award has established itself as a significant accolade within the scientific community,” remarked Stephanie Dawson, CEO at ScienceOpen and jury member. “I am thrilled to participate in this momentous occasion as we recognize innovators creating groundbreaking solutions for the healthcare ecosystem.”
This year’s competition prioritizes themes such as the responsible use of artificial intelligence, research integrity, and sustainable knowledge transfer. Following the jury’s evaluation process, the top five startups will be invited to present their projects at the STM Week in London on December 9th at BMA House. This event serves as an excellent platform for contestants to showcase their innovations to a broader audience and gain essential exposure within the industry.
