Russ Prize

Fritz J. & Dolores H. Russ Prize Awarded by the National Academy of Engineering

Awarding Achievements That Improve the Human Condition

Endowed by the Russ Family through Ohio University, the National Academy of Engineering established the Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ Prize in 1999 to recognize outstanding achievement in an engineering field that is currently of critical importance and that contributes to the advancement of science and engineering, as well as improves a person’s quality of life and has widespread application or use.

Awarded biennially, the Russ Prize consists of a $500,000 cash award, a gold medallion and a hand-scribed certificate. NAE members and non-members worldwide are eligible to receive the Russ Prize.

$500,000

awarded biennially

innovators awarded since 2001

outstanding bioengineering achievements

Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ

Ohio University alumnus Fritz Russ, B.S.E.E. ’42, H.O.N. ’75, an esteemed engineer and founder of Systems Research Laboratories, and his wife, Dolores. The Russes’ multimillion-dollar endowment to Ohio University funds the Russ Prize, honoring the couple’s dedication to education and the field of engineering.

2023 Russ Prize Winner Shares Groundbreaking Research

Dr. David Walt received the 2023 Russ Prize for the development of microwell arrays that have greatly advanced the fields of genomics and proteomics. Watch his presentation or read more about his research.

2023 Russ Prize Winner

Previous Russ Prize Winners

Award Year	Achievement and Recipient(s)
2023 Winner	For the development of microwell arrays that greatly advanced the fields of genomics and proteomics. Dr. David R. Walt
2019 Winners	For innovations in medical devices that enable minimally invasive angioplasty treatment of advanced coronary artery disease. Dr. Julio Cesar Palmaz, Dr. Leonard Pinchuk, Dr. Richard A Schatz, Dr. John B. Simpson, Dr. Paul G. Yock
2017 Winners	For optical coherence tomography, leveraging creative engineering to invent imaging technology essential for preventing blindness and treating vascular and other diseases. Dr. Adolf F. Fercher, Dr. James G. Fujimoto, Dr. Christoph K. Hitzenberger, Dr. David Huang, Eric A. Swanson
2015 Winners	For engineering cochlear implants that enable the deaf to hear. Professor Graeme M. Clark AC, Dr. Erwin Hochmair, Dr. Ingeborg J Hochmair-Desoyer, Dr. Michael M. Merzenich, Professor Blake S. Wilson
2013 Winners	For the development of laser ablative photodecomposition, enabling LASIK and PRK eye surgery. Dr. Samuel E. Blum, Dr. Rangaswamy Srinivasan, Dr. James J. Wynne
2011 Winner	Automating DNA sequencing that revolutionized biomedicine and forensic science. Dr. Leroy E. Hood
2009 Winner	For pioneering the engineering and commercialization of biological systems for large-scale manufacturing of antibiotics and other drugs. Elmer L. Gaden
2007 Winner	For the characterization and modeling of human tissue mechanics and function leading to prevention and mitigation of trauma. Dr. Yuan-Cheng “Bert” Fung
2005 Winner	For bioengineering membrane-based sensors in medical, food, and environmental applications. Dr. Leland C. Clark
2003 Winner	Pioneering work on artificial organs, beginning with the kidney, thus launching a new field that is benefiting the lives of millions. Dr. Willem J. Kolff
2001 Winners	Independent development of the implantable cardiac pacemaker. Earl E. Bakken, Wilson Greatbatch

National Academy of Engineering (NAE)

The National Academy of Engineering of the United States (NAE), a private, nonprofit institution, has dedicated itself to the wise use of technology in this country and around the world. In the United States, the NAE serves as an advisor to the federal government, helping to apply the nation's best engineering talent to the field of public policy. Domestically and abroad, the NAE provides a focal point for engineering excellence by recognizing outstanding engineering achievement and encouraging the study and practice of the engineering disciplines.

Learn More About NAE
Nominate the Next Winner*

These nomination procedures apply only to the Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ Prize. Nominations must be submitted through the National Academy of Engineering website. There are no restrictions on who may nominate candidates for the Prize. NAE members and non-members worldwide are eligible to receive the Russ Prize. Solicitations are sent to members and international members of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, international engineering academies, and other organizations and persons from around the world.
*Note: The nomination window for the 2025 Russ Prize has closed.

Submit a Nomination

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