Awards

ASBMR John Haddad Young Investigator Awards

"We should sponsor investigation, training, communication of knowledge in all areas of mineral/bone biology, diagnostics, therapeutics... we should work to recognize trainees' investigative efforts by providing a stable, nurturing society that bolsters funding and addresses their needs... we should honor meritorious investigators in our field" -- John Haddad, M.D., ASBMR 10th President and Former AIMM Board Member

John G. Haddad, Jr. M.D., was a pioneer in studies of vitamin D metabolism in both the laboratory and the clinic. He was one of the first to identify and analyze the role of the vitamin D binding protein. He also carried out extensive clinical studies in Paget's disease, as well as in osteoporosis and hyperparathyroidism.

Dr. Haddad was a regular and active participant in the Advances in Mineral Metabolism (AIMM) and a Past-President of ASBMR. The leadership of AIMM and the ASBMR agreed to collaborate in honoring John Haddad, Jr., and in supporting the development of young investigators by establishing the ASBMR John Haddad Young Investigator Awards which would allow eight young ASBMR investigators to participate in the AIMM/ASBMR Young Investigators' Meeting in Snowmass, Colorado, USA. The next meeting will be held April 8-12, 2008.

Nomination Deadline: The 2008 deadline has passed. Thank you for your nominations.

Purpose of Grant:
The purpose of this program is to facilitate the professional development of young basic and clinical scientists in the field of bone and mineral metabolism.

By providing financial support to attend the AIMM-ASBMR Meeting, the ASBMR hopes to promote the participation of promising young investigators at the meeting. Such support is intended to encourage the appropriate and necessary interaction with senior investigators and leaders in the field which will help to advance the careers of young investigators.

Those selected to attend the meeting will be required to present their research with no longer than a 20 minute presentation. They should be prepared for frequent interruptions of questions and comments during a 45 minute time slot. The meeting forum and program are designed to stimulate a dynamic, creative, and collaborative exchange of science in a supportive, retreat-like atmosphere.

Eligibility:

• Professional status of nominee should be at a level of 2 year post-doctoral fellow or resident up to no more than 2 years as Assistant Professor as of September 15, 2007
• Current ASBMR or AIMM member or nominated by a member of either ASBMR or AIMM

Guidelines for Nomination:

Please include SIX copies of the following:

• Nomination by a mentor
• Nomination should include a letter of support from a mentor or senior investigator
• A current curriculum vitae must accompany the nomination. Format of c.v. should follow NIH style for biographical sketch (see example on nomination form) and should be no more than 2 pages
• A brief paragraph (no more than 500 words) summarizing the young investigator's current research is required. The applicant should also address their future goals in the field.
• Nomination packet should be written primarily by the candidate
• Please note that all aspects of the applicant's application are taken into account by the review committee

Grant:
Grant amount to be provided is $1600

Process:
Nominees will be notified of the results by December 1, 2007. A total of 8 young investigators will be selected to receive ASBMR John Haddad Young Investigator Awards and present their research at the AIMM-ASBMR Meeting. Young investigators will be selected by a joint committee of AIMM and the ASBMR based on the excellence of their research potential and its application to mineral metabolism and/or bone.

Preliminary 2008 Program:

• Cell Fate Determination: Chaired by Andre van Wijnen and Simon Cool
• Novel Factors Regulating Autocrine/Paracrine Interactions: David Roodman Chair Speakers: Paddy Ross and Lynda Bonewald
• Bone-Kidney Axis: Beate Lanske Chair
• Bone Regeneration and Heterotopic Ossification (post trauma?): Steve Popoff Chair
• Osteoblast/Vascular/Hematopoiesis Niche: Kurt Hankenson Chair
• Genetics of Low Bone Mass and High Bone Mass phenotypes: Ingrid Holm and Suzanne Jan de Beur, Chairs Speakers: Mike Econs and Stuart Ralston
• Epigenetics: Eileen Shore Chair
• Treatment-induced Bone Loss: Larry J. Suva Chair
• Open session (9 talks selected from submitted abstracts) Chaired by Suzanne Jan de Beur
• Open session (9 talks selected from submitted abstracts) Chaired by Jo Price

Advances in Mineral Metabolism (AIMM), established in 1985, is an important forum for the presentation of exciting new developments in bone-related research. The style of the conference, with its relatively small size, relaxed environment and extensive discussions of the latest findings in both basic and clinical sciences, benefits all participants, in particular new young investigators.

American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR), established in 1977, is a professional medical and scientific society dedicated to bringing together experimental and clinical scientists, physicians, health providers and educators involved in the study of metabolic bone diseases and mineral metabolism through scientific meetings, the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, and other educational publications such as the Primer on the Metabolic Bone Diseases and Disorders of Mineral Metabolism.