Dr. Christine Schmidt has been awarded the 2024 Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) Athanasiou Medal of Excellence in Translational Bioengineering. This honor recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to biomedical engineering, with a focus on translating research into practical applications.

Schmidt, a distinguished professor and J. Crayton Pruitt Family Endowed Chair at the University of Florida’s J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, is a leader in regenerative engineering. With more than 27 years of experience in neural tissue engineering and wound healing, her research has resulted in over $25 million in funding and more than 185 peer-reviewed papers and chapters, with an H-index of 68 and nearly 25,000 citations. Schmidt also holds 35 issued U.S. patents and many others globally. Her commercialization efforts include the Avance Nerve Repair graft from Axogen, which has been implanted in over 100,000 patients, and VersaWrap from her start-up company, Alafair Biosciences, which has seen over 19,000 implants. Alafair Biosciences was recently listed on the 2023 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in America.

“I am deeply honored to receive the BMES Athanasiou Medal of Excellence in Translational Bioengineering,” said Schmidt. “Throughout my career, I have been committed to translating research into real-world applications that can improve patients’ lives. This recognition is a reflection of the collaborative efforts of my lab, colleagues, and students who have all contributed to the advancements we’ve made in regenerative engineering. I look forward to continuing our work to push the boundaries of biomedical innovation.”

Schmidt will deliver a keynote lecture, “Engineering Materials for Clinical Nerve Repair, and Other Applications Along the Way,” on Friday, Oct. 25, at the BMES annual meeting in Baltimore.

Schmidt’s many honors include induction into the National Academy of Engineering and fellowships with the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, the National Academy of Inventors, the BMES, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the International Academy of Medical and Biological Engineering.

This award underscores Schmidt’s leadership and impact in the field, particularly in bridging the gap between innovative research and clinical applications.