Georges and Marlene Belfort Award for Excellence in Purification of Biological Molecules
Background
This annual award recognizes individuals for their contributions to the research and practice of purification of biological molecules as exemplified by Professor Georges Belfort in his half century of contributions. The award for research in academia or industry is supported by Marlene and Georges Belfort.
Georges Belfort’s educational legacy touched many modern biochemical and biological engineers in the profession today as evidenced by his 2025 NAE Gordon Prize (co-winner with Steven Cramer); 2017 Food, Pharmaceutical and Bioengineering Division Distinguished Service Award in Chemical Engineering, AIChE; the 2016 Rensselaer Best Teacher Award in Engineering, RPI, Troy, NY; the 2014 NAMS Alan S. Michaels Award for Innovation in Membrane Science and Technology; the 2008 ACS E. V. Murphree Award in Industrial and Engineering Chemistry; the 2000 AIChE Gerhold Award in Separation Science and Technology and the 1995 ACS Separation Science and Technology Award.
The award is presented to an individual who embodies the spirit of Georges Belfort, one who is a pioneer, a mentor, an innovator, an integrator of biology, chemistry, mathematics and engineering, a teacher, a researcher, and whose achievements have provided a major impact to the field of biomolecular process engineering.
The award will be administered by the American Chemical Society’s Biochemical Technology Division (BIOT) and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers’ Society for Biological Engineering (SBE).
Nomination procedure
- The nomination period will open once every two years. Two winners will be selected each nomination period, with the award delivery alternating on a yearly basis between the ACS and AIChE Annual Meetings.
- There are no restrictions on who may nominate individuals for this award. Nominations should be submitted to the BIOT awards committee using this form.
- The nomination documentation should consist of the nomination form, the nominee’s resume, and two supporting letters.
Selection criteria
- Innovation through research, education, or practice of purification of biological molecules with relevance to biological science and engineering.
- Successful development of new theoretical principles, products, processes, and/or services.
- Research at the interface of biological science and engineering.
- Significant publication, patents, and/or engineering development in the field.
- Demonstrated economic or societal impact through innovation or practice of bioseparation engineering. Economic impact would include gross revenues generated by a new product or process, cost savings made possible by a new process, reductions in environmental impact, or benefits to health and safety in the workplace, of consumers, or of patients.
Please contact awards@acsbiot.org with any questions.