[March of Dimes](https://www.marchofdimes.org)

September 2026 (Nomination submission deadline)

Cash prize (amount not specified) and commemorative award; presented annually.

Recognizes outstanding scientists for pioneering research that advances understanding of prenatal development, pregnancy, and birth.

No self-nominations; nominees cannot hold current March of Dimes grants or contracts.

--- ## Description The March of Dimes Richard B. Johnston, Jr., MD Prize is awarded annually to a scientific leader who has made profound advancements in the science of prenatal development, pregnancy, and birth. Established as a tribute to Dr. Jonas Salk and renamed for Dr. Richard B. Johnston, Jr., the prize honors pioneering research that enhances understanding of pregnancy, parturition, and prenatal development. Recipients are selected for translational and impactful discoveries with the potential to improve maternal and infant health. The award is presented at the Society for Reproductive Investigation (SRI) Annual Meeting, where the recipient delivers a lecture. --- ## Due Dates - September 2026 (anticipated nomination submission deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Cash prize (exact amount not publicly specified) and a physical commemorative award - Award is presented annually at the SRI Annual Meeting --- ## Eligibility - Open to late-career scientists who have made significant, pioneering advances in prenatal development, pregnancy, or birth science - Nominees **cannot** hold current or active March of Dimes grants or contracts - No self-nominations permitted; nominations must come from other scientists in the field --- ## Application Process - Nominations must be submitted by a third party (not self-nominations) - Required nomination materials: - Nominator’s information (name, title, affiliation, contact details, signature) - Candidate’s information (name, title, affiliation, contact details) - Candidate’s curriculum vitae - Narrative biographic sketch (250 words) - Statement describing the impact of the candidate’s work (150 words) - Summary of scientific contributions forming the basis for the nomination - Complete nomination packages should be submitted via email to [cdower@marchofdimes.org](mailto:cdower@marchofdimes.org) - The selected awardee must be available to give a lecture at the SRI Annual Meeting --- ## Additional Information - Awardees are expected to attend key meetings related to their award, deliver a lecture at the SRI Annual Meeting, and help amplify the impact of their work through public engagement. - Awardees should notify March of Dimes of relevant publications, presentations, or posters for promotion. - The prize has recognized multiple recipients who have subsequently received Nobel Prizes. --- ## External Links - [Program page and nomination details](https://www.marchofdimes.org/our-work/research/grants-awards/march-of-dimes-richard-b-johnston-jr-md-prize) - [March of Dimes research awards overview](https://www.marchofdimes.org/our-work/research/grants-awards) - [List of past recipients (PDF)](https://www.marchofdimes.org/sites/default/files/2025-06/2026-Prize-Award-Recipients-Historical-List-rev-2025.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Additional Info | |------------------|----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | Courtney Dower | [cdower@marchofdimes.org](mailto:cdower@marchofdimes.org) | Direct questions and nominations here | | General Inquiries| [Contact Form](https://www.marchofdimes.org/contact-us/) | |

March of Dimes Richard B. Johnston, Jr., MD Prize

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