Susan L. Solomon Receives 2020 ISSCR Award

We are delighted to share that NYSCF CEO Susan L. Solomon will receive the 2020 Public Service Award from the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) for her outstanding contributions to the field.

The ISSCR awards honor innovative work to harness the potential of stem cells, recognize exceptional research, support young researchers and the future of stem cell research, and acknowledge extraordinary public service. Ms. Solomon will accept the award at the ISSCR Annual Meeting in Boston this June.

“Susan Solomon has been an early and enthusiastic supporter of stem cell science,” said Doug Melton, Ph.D., former ISSCR president and Xander University Professor at Harvard University in a press release from ISSCR. “She successfully campaigned for the state of New York to support the field and, more significantly, established a leading foundation dedicated to advancing stem cell science. Her commitment to supporting the entire field, particularly through the awards to young investigators has been inspirational and productive.”

Under Ms. Solomon’s direction, the NYSCF Research Institute has become the world’s leading independent non-profit research institute dedicated to translating cutting-edge stem cell research into clinical breakthroughs and cures for patients. Since 2005, NYSCF has invested in “tipping point” stem cell research, accelerating progress in finding treatments and cures in over 70 disease areas including diabetes, ALS, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, cancer, schizophrenia, bone injury, and macular degeneration.

Ms. Solomon has received numerous awards for her work with NYSCF, including the New York State Women of Excellence Award, the Triumph Award from the Brooke Ellison Foundation, and recognition as a Living Landmark from the New York Landmarks Conservancy. Susan has decades of leadership experience in starting and building effective and focused organizations. She started her career as an attorney at Debevoise & Plimpton, then held executive positions at MacAndrews & Forbes and APAX (formerly MMG Patricof and Co.) She was the founder and President of Sony Worldwide Networks, the Chairman and CEO of Lancit Media Productions, and served as the founding CEO of Sothebys.com, prior to starting her own strategic management consulting firm Solomon Partners LLC in 2000.

Ms. Solomon has been a longtime advocate for supporting early-career scientists and addressing issues of gender equity in STEM.

“Susan’s philanthropic efforts have led to grants that empower early and mid-career stem cell scientists that are unique in their flexibility to support the vision of the investigator and effectively support high-risk/high-reward areas of research for the stem cell field,” said Valentina Greco, Ph.D., ISSCR board of directors member and Carolyn Slayman Professor of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine. “The NYSCF investment has created a highly synergizing force with our society in supporting our newest emerging generation of leaders.”

“Susan is simply the most determined person I know,” said Kevin Eggan, Ph.D., ISSCR 2020 annual meeting program committee chair and Professor in the Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University. “I believe that the world is most changed by people who can look into the future and see the world they want to live in and then dedicate themselves to creating it. Susan is such a person.”

“On behalf of the Society, I’m honored to recognize Susan Solomon with the 2020 ISSCR Public Service Award for her tireless contributions to the stem cell research community and unwavering commitment to creatively support scientific excellence and investigators in the pursuit of breakthrough discoveries,” said Deepak Srivastava, ISSCR president.

Congratulations, Susan!

Learn more about the ISSCR awards and meet the other winners.