01/25/2010

BMES Past President Wins Presidential Science Prize

Taiwan, January 8, 2010. Dr. Shu Chien, BMES president from 2007 through 2008, has won the Presidential Science Prize from the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB). Dr. Chien was honored with this prestigious award for his extraordinary contributions to biomedical research from this organization of 23 scientific societies with more than 90,000 members.

The president of FASEB, Mark O. Lively, PhD, highlighted in a letter to Dr. Chien his outstanding achievements in physiology and bioengineering research in both the United States and Taiwan. Dr. Lively also singled out Dr. Chien's establishment of first-rate research institutions and training of young scientists, along with his contributions to the advancement of biomedical research globally.

"Your multidisciplinary, integrative approach of combining engineering and biomedical sciences, while employing an array of technologies such as nanotechnology and cell biophysics, has contributed to breakthrough discoveries," Dr. Lively said.

FASEB also credited Dr. Chien with a 20-year leadership role in the organization, helping it develop a dynamic and effective public affairs focus. According to Dr. Lively, "The Presidential Science Prize recognizes you as a leader, teacher, and generous public servant. You have made FASEB's motto, ‘Quality Life Through Research,' a reality."

Dr. Chien, who received his MD and PhD from Columbia University, is a member of the faculty at the University of California, San Diego, in its Department of Bioengineering. He has a lab in vascular molecular bioengineering, which focuses on molecular mechanisms by which mechanical forces modulate signal transduction and gene expression.

Dr. Chien has received a host of honors during his distinguished career, including the BMES Presidential Award at the 2009 BMES Annual Meeting in Pittsburgh. "Dr. Chien is a leading light in the profession," says Edward Schilling, executive director of BMES. "His long involvement in our society, his leadership, and his willingness to encourage the next generation of leaders in biomedical engineering have been a contributing factor in the success and growth of our organization."