Nichol Receives Merieux Research Award

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Contact: Molly Portz, Academic Health Center, 612.625.2640
              Jonell Rusinko, Academic Health Center, 612.624.5680

U OF M PROFESSOR RECEIVES DISTINGUISHED
INFECTIOUS DISEASES RESEARCH AWARD
First recipient of the Charles Merieux Award

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (May 10, 2005) -- Kristen Nichol, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., is the first recipient of the Charles Merieux Award for Scientific Achievement given by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID).  She received the award at the NFID’s annual conference on vaccine research in Baltimore, Md. on May 9.

Nichol’s research focuses on vaccine-preventable diseases in adults, primarily influenza and pneumonia.  She has conducted observational studies, clinical trials, and cost-effectiveness studies that have addressed critical factors for the successful prevention and control of these diseases in adults.  Her research addresses critical factors for patients, providers, vaccines, and policy. 

“I’ve tried to broaden the view of disease burden in older populations,” says Nichol. “I’ve had the opportunity to ask and answer questions in a way many people haven’t.”

“It is rare to have a researcher with the unique background that Dr. Nichol brings to the table.  She is  highly accomplished, has revolutionalized the approach to immunization for influenza and other causes of pneumonia by being able to look at these critical infectious disease from many different perspectives,” says Jonathan I. Ravdin, M.D, Nesbitt professor and chair of the Department of Medicine at the University of Minnesota. “Considering the legacy of Charles Merieux, Dr. Nichol is the perfect recipient.”

Nichol is a professor and vice chair of the Department of Medicine at the University of Minnesota.  She is the chief of medicine and director of the primary and sub-speciality service line at the Veteran Administration Medical Center.  She chairs the National Coalition for Adult Immunization Advisory Committee and the Minnesota Coalition for Adult Immunization.  Nichol is a member of several other state and national immunization committees and regularly presents at national and international conferences on immunization policy and practice issues.

Charles Meriuex was a distinguished French scientist who devoted his career to fighting infectious diseases globally.  He combined his medical knowledge with a strong business acumen to develop the Pasteur Institute, one of the world’s leading vaccine laboratories.

The Academic Health Center is home to the University of Minnesota’s six health professional schools and colleges as well as several health-related centers and institutes. Founded in 1851, the University is one of the oldest and largest land grant institutions in the country. The AHC prepares the new health professionals who improve the health of communities, discover and deliver new treatments and cures, and strengthen the health economy.

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