Earlier this week, UNMC Today announced the 25 investigators who have been named UNMC Distinguished Scientists for 2006. The scientists – all recognized leaders in their field — represented the colleges of dentistry, nursing, medicine and pharmacy, as well as the Eppley Institute.
Stephen Rennard, M.D., was named the first UNMC Scientist Laureate for his outstanding work in pulmonary research. The award is the highest recognition given to a UNMC scientist.
Administrators and department chairs were excluded from this year’s competition, which recognizes those UNMC researchers who have been among the most productive scientists in the country over the past five years.
A panel composed of all UNMC deans and directors, as well as the office of the vice chancellor for research, selected the award recipients. Criteria for the award, which is sponsored by the chancellor, included the researcher’s history of leading an outstanding research program, publishing research results in journals of the highest quality, and showing the ability to attract and retain extramural funding.