UNMC student Safwan Elkhatib is one of 11 winners of the Lasker Foundation seventh annual Lasker Essay Contest. The contest, which recognizes the next generation of science communicators, invites young scientists from around the world to discuss big questions in biomedical research and policy.
Top essays were submitted by health professions and biomedical research trainees, who wrote about how a notable scientist has inspired them — through the scientist’s personality, life experiences, and/or through their scientific contributions.
Elkhatib, who is enrolled in the MD/PhD program, wrote about Jonas Salk, MD, and Albert Sabin, MD, and how he was inspired that the polio vaccine was never monetized. Salk invented the polio vaccine, which was approved in 1955, and in the 1960s Sabin introduced an oral vaccine.
“I am incredibly honored my essay was selected,” Elkhatib said. “I feel strongly that in monetizing every aspect of health care, we have all but guaranteed this pandemic would most dramatically affect those already marginalized by the medical and scientific community.
“I hope my words can remind us that scientific research is merely a collaborative practice with the society which supports us — thus the fruits of our labor (i.e., an eventual vaccine) belong to us all,” he said.
Winners receive a $2,000 educational stipend and are invited to attend the 2021 Lasker Awards Luncheon in New York City on Oct. 1. The contest was open to medical school students, interns, residents and fellows; doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows in biomedical sciences; and graduate students in public health or other health professions programs from around the world.
“Now more than ever, our society has an urgent need for medical and research leaders who can effectively communicate about the central role of science in improving health around the world,” said Claire Pomeroy, president of the Lasker Foundation. “This year’s winning essays illustrate the inspiration our prize winners drew from a diverse range of scientists and highlight the importance of senior role models in galvanizing the next generation of these leaders.”
The Lasker Foundation seeks to increase support for biomedical research by celebrating the power of biomedical science to save and improve human lives.
Congratulations to the success, I wish you more progress and success and get the doctor’s certificate
This is a huge deal! The Lasker Awards are thought by many to be at least as important as the Nobels Prize in Medicine. Congratulations to Safwan for this very prestigious achievement!
Wow! Congratulations Safwan!!!
What a great honor…congratulations!