The American Urological Association (AUA) Foundation has announced its Astellas Rising Stars in Urology for 2009. William Roberts, MD, of the University of Michigan, and Edward Schaeffer, MD, of Johns Hopkins Medicine are this year's recipients of the award, one of the most prestigious research awards offered by the Foundation.
William Roberts, MD, earned the Astellas Rising Stars in Urology Award for his project titled, "Histotripsy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia." His mentors at the University of Michigan are J. Brian Fowlkes, PhD and Charles Cain, PhD.
Edward Schaeffer, MD, was named an Astellas Rising Stars in Urology for his project titled, "Roles for Phospholipase A2 Signaling in Prostate Development." His mentors at Johns Hopkins Medicine are David Berman, MD, PhD, and William Isaacs, PhD.
"These projects are outstanding examples of research with purpose. Both of these projects have the potential to provide significant insight into these major urologic diseases," said AUA Foundation Executive Director Sandra Vassos, MPA.
The Astellas Rising Stars in Urology Award was developed in 2005 by the AUA Foundation in partnership with Astellas Pharma US, Inc., to promote careers in urologic research to young urology faculty. Astellas has continuously supported this program since its inception.
"Astellas has shown an outstanding commitment to funding young investigators through the AUA Foundation," said AUA Foundation Director of Research Leo Giambarresi, PhD. "Their commitment to funding several different AUA Foundation scholarships every year is unmatched by any other industry organization. We could not continue this program without the support of scholarship sponsors like Astellas."
The Astellas Rising Stars in Urology Award provides up to five years of funding, on an escalating basis, for additional salary support. It encourages and supports the careers of young urologists who are making a long-term commitment to urologic research. Applicants to this award have already demonstrated the potential and desire to become independent investigators by having successfully competed for prestigious career development awards offered through various government agencies, foundations, and organizations. Applicants must also be board-certified or board-eligible urologists, or those currently participating in a training program to obtain certification in urology. Awardees must remain in academic practice for a minimum amount of time equal to the number of years for which they receive grant support.
Contact Lacey Dean at 410-689-4054 for more information on the AUA Foundation Research Scholars Program or to schedule an interview with one of the following experts:
- Sandra Vassos, MPA, AUA Foundation executive director
- Anton Bueschen, MD, AUA president
- Anthony J. Schaeffer, MD, chair of the AUA Foundation Research Council, chair of the Department of Urology at Northwestern University
- Leo Giambarresi, PhD, AUA Foundation director of research
About the AUA Foundation: Originally established in 1987, the Foundation is the premier provider and resource for the most current, comprehensive and reliable urologic health information. We advocate and educate to empower physicians and the public to progress toward the highest quality prevention, detection and treatment of urologic diseases. With the support and strength of more than 16,000 physician members of the American Urological Association, the AUA Foundation strives to make certain that those who suffer from urologic conditions can enjoy the benefit of the highest level of care possible.