Funded at the same level as all IADR Distinguished Scientist Awards, the award will recognize outstanding scientific contributions in the anatomic sciences, including tissue engineering, tissue regeneration, and stem cell research as it relates to the oral, dental, or craniofacial complex. The first reinstated award, which will consist of a $2,000 prize and a plaque, will be presented at the IADR General Session & Exhibition in New Orleans, March 21-24, 2007.
"On behalf of the IADR, I sincerely thank the Sarnat Family Foundation for its tremendous generosity," said IADR Executive Director Christopher H. Fox. "This donation is a testament to the power of the long-lasting effects of a valued mentorship, and we are delighted to reinstate this award permanently."
The IADR Isaac Schour Memorial Award was first established in 1967 to honor Schour, an early leader in international dental research and the 18th president of the IADR (1941-42). Schour was professor of histology (1935-1964) at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry, where he was dean from 1955 until his premature death in 1964 at the age of 64. The annual award, which was international in scope, was originally presented to an individual who had made outstanding contributions in research or training, or both, in the field of anatomic sciences.
"The IADR is deeply honored to reinstate this prestigious award on behalf of the Sarnat Family Foundation," said Takayuki Kuroda, IADR president. "Dr. Schour was a great scientist and a pioneer in the international dental research community, and this award will forever honor his legacy."
The IADR, headquartered in Alexandria, VA, is a non-profit organization with more than 11,000 members worldwide, whose missions are: (1) to advance research and increase knowledge for the improvement of oral health worldwide; (2) to support and represent the oral health research community; and (3) to facilitate the communication and application of research findings. The American Association for Dental Research is the largest Division of the IADR, with more than 4,000 members in the United States.