image: Peter J. H. Scott, PhD view more
Credit: Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
Chicago, Illinois (Embargoed until 9:30 am, CDT, Monday, June 26, 2023)—Peter J. H. Scott, PhD, associate professor of radiology and pharmacology, division director of nuclear medicine, and director of the PET Center at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has been named as the 2023 recipient of the Sam Gambhir Trailblazer Award. Scott was presented the award by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) at its 2023 Annual Meeting.
Scott's nuclear medicine and molecular imaging research spans all apescts of radiopharmaceutical sciences. He has developed new methods for radiolabeling bioactive molecules, designed and translated new radiotracers for PET imaging, and has manufactured radiopharmaceuticals according to cGMP. Scott’s group has also adapted new technology (e.g. artificial intelligence and machine learning) to imagine the radiochemistry laboratory of the future.
“Dr. Gambhir was a modern-day prodigy in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, as well as a passionate researcher, caring physician and supportive mentor,” said Scott. “I am proud to follow in his footsteps, humbled to receive this award, and look forward to continuing to work with all of my amazing group members, colleagues and collaborators, as we continue to advance nuclear medicine and the radiopharmaceutical sciences to benefit patients around the world.”
Scott obtained his undergraduate degree in medicinal chemistry from Loughborough University and his PhD in organic chemistry from Durham University, both in the United Kingdom. He completed his postdoctoral research in organometallic chemistry at SUNY Buffalo in New York and in PET radiochemistry at the University of Michigan. Scott worked for Siemens Molecular Imaging and Biomarker Research following his postdoctoral research, where he led the radiochemistry group at the Siemens Technology Center in Los Angeles, California. He began his academic career at the University of Michigan in 2009, where he remains today.
Scott has published more than 165 papers and 35 book chapters, presented 250 conference abstracts, and edited five books. He has received numerous awards for his research and is listed as an inventor on multiple patents. His laboratory is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, the National Institute of Aging and the Alzheimer's Association, and has multiple collaborations with academic institutions, biotech and pharmaceutical companies from across the globe.
“Dr. Scott has contributed to many significant advances in the field of radiopharmaceutical sciences noted Munir Ghesani, MD, FACNM, FACR, SNMMI president. “From the development of novel radiotracers for imaging neurodegeneration to his work to improve the synthesis of PET radiotracers, and even his introduction of green methods for radiochemistry, Scott embodies the spirit of the Gambhir Trailblazer Award.”
The Sam Gambhir Trailblazer Award was created in memory of Sanjiv Sam Gambhir, MD, PhD, an internationally recognized pioneer in molecular imaging who passed away in 2021. Created in 2022, the award honors outstanding achievement in excellence in transformative research (either basic science, translational science, or clinical science) and exceptional mentorship for mid-career professionals.
###
About the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) is an international scientific and medical organization dedicated to advancing nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, vital elements of precision medicine that allow diagnosis and treatment to be tailored to individual patients in order to achieve the best possible outcomes.
SNMMI’s members set the standard for molecular imaging and nuclear medicine practice by creating guidelines, sharing information through journals and meetings and leading advocacy on key issues that affect molecular imaging and therapy research and practice. For more information, visit www.snmmi.org.