Three behind the scenes research staff members were celebrated on April 24 for their critical contributions to medical discovery at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. The 22nd annual Research Staff Awards ceremony, held at the Kimpton Aertson Hotel in Nashville, recognized the expertise and dedication that help propel the institution to a top 10 ranking among U.S. medical schools in National Institutes of Health funding.
The awards highlight two distinct legacies of scientific support. The Vivien T. Thomas Award honors the pioneering surgical technician who began his career at Vanderbilt in the 1930s, while the Edward E. Price Jr. Award recognizes a research assistant whose career spanned 50 years in the Department of Biochemistry and Cardiovascular Physiology Core. Both awards underscore the essential role that research staff play in turning laboratory discoveries into real world treatments.
Jennifer Pietenpol, PhD, Chief Scientific and Strategy Officer and Executive Vice President for Research, praised the awardees during her opening remarks. “Your expertise and dedication are what propel discovery and sustain our momentum,” she said. The ceremony also featured a personal tribute from the Price family. Randall Jones, grandson of Edward E. Price Jr., shared a message of purpose and legacy. “One thing about my granddad, he was very passionate about what he did. He would come home excited about new discoveries,” Jones said. “Find purpose. Whatever you do, do it to the fullest. And leave a legacy.”
These awards serve as a reminder that behind every major medical breakthrough are skilled technicians, coordinators and assistants who ensure research is conducted at the highest caliber. As Vanderbilt continues to attract top NIH funding, the recognition of these unsung heroes signals a hopeful future for patients who will benefit from the discoveries they help make possible.