The Mohsen and Simin Meydani Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award in Nutrition Research and Education recognizes an individual whose work has significantly advanced nutrition science through innovation, entrepreneurship, and the successful translation of research into practice. The award honors those who transform scientific discovery into practical solutions—new technologies, products, educational models, partnerships, and policies—that measurably improve human health.
In the spirit of the Meydanis’ pioneering careers, the award also celebrates individuals who pair scientific excellence with entrepreneurial thinking and who inspire the next generation of nutrition scientists to pursue bold ideas.
Eligibility
- Active member of the American Society for Nutrition
- Open to nutrition scientists, educators, clinicians, and entrepreneurs at any career stage
- Primary appointment in academia, government, industry, nonprofit, or an entrepreneurial venture, with a strong scientific foundation
- Demonstrated innovation and/or entrepreneurship that has translated nutrition research or education into measurable impact
Award
- One award administered annually, beginning at NUTRITION 2027
- The awardee receives
- $5,500 honorarium, commemorative plaque, and ASN annual meeting registration
- Formal recognition at the ASN Awards Ceremony at NUTRITION
Selection Criteria
Nominees will be evaluated based on excellence and impact across one or more of the following areas:
- Innovation: Originality and creativity in research, technology, products, or educational approaches that open new directions for nutrition science.
- Translation and Impact: Successful movement of scientific discoveries into clinical, public health, consumer, or policy practice, with demonstrated, measurable benefits to human health.
- Entrepreneurial Leadership: Founding, building, or leading ventures, programs, or public-private partnerships that commercialize or scale evidence-based nutrition solutions.
- Education and Workforce Development: Innovative curricula, training, or mentorship that prepares the next generation of nutrition scientists to think entrepreneurially and translate research into practice.
- Scientific Rigor and Integrity: Commitment to evidence, transparency, and ethical practice, including appropriate disclosure and management of conflicts of interest in commercial activities.
About Drs. Mohsen and Simin Meydani
Drs. Mohsen and Simin Meydani have spent more than four decades advancing nutrition science at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) at Tufts University. Both earned doctorates in nutrition from Iowa State University, and both are Distinguished Fellows of the American Society for Nutrition (ASN). Mohsen joined the HNRCA shortly after it opened in 1982 and led its Vascular Biology Laboratory. He was a Professor at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy and is currently Professor Emeritus at Tufts. Simin, a past President of ASN, led the Nutritional Immunology Laboratory, directed the HNRCA, and served as Tufts’ Vice Provost for Research. She was a Professor of Nutrition at the Friedman School and Professor of Immunology at Tufts Medical School and is currently Professor Emeritus at Tufts. Together, they exemplify how scientific excellence, collaboration, and bold thinking can turn discovery into meaningful improvements in human health.
