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

October 2, 2026 (Nomination submission deadline)

Cash prize (amount not publicly specified) and commemorative trophy; award presented at the Society for Reproductive Investigation Annual Meeting

Recognizes a scientist for groundbreaking advances in prenatal development, pregnancy, and birth research.

No self-nominations; nominees must not hold active March of Dimes grants or contracts.

--- ## Description This award honors an outstanding scientist whose research has profoundly advanced the science underlying prenatal development, pregnancy, and birth. Established in tribute to Dr. Jonas Salk and later named for Dr. Richard B. Johnston, Jr., the prize celebrates leaders whose translational discoveries have significantly impacted maternal and infant health. Recipients are recognized with a cash award and commemorative trophy, and are invited to deliver a lecture at the Society for Reproductive Investigation (SRI) Annual Meeting. The award aims to amplify the impact of scientific discoveries that may lead to interventions or preventions improving outcomes for mothers and babies. --- ## Due Dates - October 2, 2026: Nomination submission deadline (nomination packages due) --- ## Funding Amount - The award includes a cash prize (exact amount not specified) and a commemorative trophy. - The recipient is honored at the Society for Reproductive Investigation Annual Meeting and delivers a President’s Talk. --- ## Eligibility - Nominees must be late-career, outstanding scientists who have made significant advances in prenatal development, pregnancy, or birth research. - Nominees must not hold current or active March of Dimes grants or contracts. - Nominations must be submitted by another scientist; self-nominations are not permitted. - Nominees must be available to deliver a lecture at the 2027 SRI Annual Meeting (March 16–20, 2027, Glasgow, UK). --- ## Application Process - Nominations must be submitted via email to [researchgrantssupport@marchofdimes.org](mailto:researchgrantssupport@marchofdimes.org) by October 2, 2026. - Required nomination materials: - Nominator’s information (name, title, affiliation, address, phone, email, signature) - Candidate’s information (name, title, affiliation, address, phone, email) - Candidate’s curriculum vitae - Narrative biographic sketch (250 words) - Statement of nomination describing the candidate’s impact (150 words) - Summary of scientific contributions forming the basis for the nomination --- ## Additional Information - Awardees are expected to attend key meetings related to the award and may be asked to help amplify March of Dimes’ mission through public engagements and communications. - Awardees should notify March of Dimes of any relevant publications or presentations for potential amplification. - Previous recipients include internationally recognized leaders in developmental biology and reproductive health; several have later received Nobel Prizes. --- ## External Links - [Program Details and Nomination Instructions](https://www.marchofdimes.org/our-work/research/grants-awards/march-of-dimes-richard-b-johnston-jr-md-prize) - [List of Previous Awardees (PDF)](https://www.marchofdimes.org/sites/default/files/2025-06/2026-Prize-Award-Recipients-Historical-List-rev-2025.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Additional Info | |--------------------------|---------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------| | Research Grants Support | [researchgrantssupport@marchofdimes.org](mailto:researchgrantssupport@marchofdimes.org) | For nominations and general inquiries | | Courtney Dower | [cdower@marchofdimes.org](mailto:cdower@marchofdimes.org) | For questions about the prize or application process | ---

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

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