The North American Vascular Biology Organization (NAVBO) is a scientific society promoting knowledge exchange in the area of vascular biology.[1] The society organizes several international scientific meetings annually which broadly cover the areas of development of blood and lymphatic vasculature, cardiovascular and lymphatic disease, vascular matrix biology and vascular bioengineering.[2]
History
The North American Vascular Biology Organization was founded in 1994 as a non-profit scientific organization with voluntary membership.[3][4] Since its inception, the organization has welcomed members from various disciplines interested in vascular biology.
The inaugural president was Michael Gimbrone from Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, who served from 1994 to 1995. He was succeeded by Stephen Schwartz from the University of Washington, who held the position from 1995 to 1996 before his death.
Programs and meetings
NAVBO has been instrumental in organizing a series of programs and events designed to foster exchange of knowledge and promote advancements in vascular biology.
The NAVBO Journal Club is a regular program that brings together NAVBO members to discuss recent, impactful publications in the field of vascular biology.
Symposiums and Conferences: NAVBO organizes a number of symposiums and conferences each year, which serve as platforms for members and non-members alike to share their research findings, network with other researchers, and stay abreast of the latest advancements in vascular biology. The highlight of these gatherings is the annual Vascular Biology meeting.
NAVBO also hosts online conferences focused on specific topics within vascular biology. These digital platforms enable more extensive participation from the international community, allowing researchers from around the world to present their work, engage in discussions, and build global networks.
Membership
The North American Vascular Biology Organization is open to those with an interest in the subject of vascular biology who wish to engage with members to promote the study and dissemination of scientific information relevant to vascular biology, and who meet the criteria established by the council, which is elected by the membership.[2]
1994-1995 - Michael Gimbrone, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School; deceased
Awards and honours
The society offers several meritorious awards to independent vascular biology investigators, and travel awards to trainee members.
Stephen Schwartz Award
This award is named in honor of Stephen Schwartz, co-founder of the North American Vascular Biology Organization, for outstanding mentorship. This award recognizes an exemplary mentor who has significantly contributed to the success of graduate students, postdocs, and scientists trained in their laboratory. The Vascular Biology Journal supports this award.[7]
2023 - Luisa Iruela-Arispe, M.S., Ph.D, Northwestern University
2022 - Richard Hynes, PhD, MIT
2021 - Dr. Brant M. Weinstein, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development at the National Institute of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland
Florence Sabin Award
Florence R. Sabin
The Florence Sabin Award is given in honor of Dr. Florence Sabin, a remarkable scientist and a role model for women who broke scientific and social barriers. This award is given to members who contribute to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion which benefit underrepresented groups.
2023 - Naomi Chesler, M.Sc., Ph.D, University of California, Irvine
2022 - Omolola Eniola-Adefeso, PhD, University of Michigan
Springer Junior Investigator Award
The Springer Junior Investigator Award is given to a junior researcher who presents outstanding work for presentation at a society meeting that year.[8][9]
2023 - Amber Stratman, PhD, Washington University, St. Louis
2022 - Delphine Gomez, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
2021 - Ying Yang, PhD, University of South Florida
2020 - Zhen Chen, PhD, City of Hope
2019 - Bhama Ramkhelawon, PhD, New York University Langone Medical Center
Judah Folkman Award
This award is given in honor of Judah Folkman, for a mid-career researcher who has made significant contributions to vascular biology research.[10][11]
2023 - Miikka Vikkula, MD, PhD, Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium
2022 - Joyce E Bischoff, PhD, Harvard Medical School
2021 - Guillermo Oliver, MS, PhD, Center for Vascular and Developmental Biology and Director of the Regenerative Biology & Stem Cell Initiative at Northwestern University
2020 - Patricia D’Amore, PhD, MBA, Harvard Medical School
2019 - William Sessa, PhD, Yale University
2018 - Rakesh K. Jain, PhD, professor at Harvard Medical School and director of the Edwin L. Steele Laboratory for Tumor Biology at Massachusetts General Hospital[17][18]
