The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) announced that Raman Venkataramanan, PhD, Professor at the University of Pittsburgh, is the 2011 recipient of the Tyler Prize for Stimulation of Research. Venkataramanan was selected in recognition of his significant contributions to translational research within the area of pharmacological treatment of organ transplant patients, and his efforts to stimulate research and to mentor undergraduate, professional, graduate and postdoctoral students.

The Tyler Prize for Stimulation of Research, established in 1962 and later renamed in honor of Dr. Varro "Tip" Tyler, recognizes an individual(s) for encouraging research by peers, students, fellows, residents and others via publications or by directing research, serving as a preceptor or mentoring in any discipline of the pharmaceutical sciences. Venkataramanan will be officially recognized at the APhA Annual Meeting and Exposition in Seattle, Wash., March 25-28, 2011. APhA's awards program is pharmacy's most comprehensive recognition program.

In a nomination letter, a colleague noted, "Professor Venkataramanan is a premier scientist and a gracious man; his outstanding contributions have touched countless lives. His approach to teaching is one of the most clear, focused and balanced that I have ever witnessed. This focus and attention to scientific detail and method has made him an excellent educator and his kind, respectful manner, punctuated with appropriate urgency, provides a wonderful mentoring environment for his students. He has taught by living example the importance of collaborative research relationships and graciously shares his research achievements with his students to foster an atmosphere rich in basic education and human value, achievement and recognition."

Another colleague noted, "Dr. Venkataramanan is an integral part of the transplant program here at the University of Pittsburgh. The Phoenix-like rise of our transplantation program could not have started or been sustained without his presence and contributions. His research led to many major developments including the development of cyclopsporine and Tacrolimus in human transplant patients. He and his trainees have left a lasting impression on the use of anti-rejection drugs and have led the way to better care throughout the field of transplantation."

Venkataramanan is Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Director of the Clinical Pharmacokinetics Laboratory at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy. He also holds an appointment as Professor of Pathology in the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Venkataramanan joined the University of Pittsburgh after a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Washington. He received his PhD in Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. He has been appointed as a Food and Drug Administration Special Government Employee by the CDER. He has also been a reviewer for NCCAM, NIH, MRC and several journals. He has presented countless lectures and published hundreds of research articles.

Venkataramanan is a Fellow of the American College of Clinical Pharmacology and the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists. He received the Ranbaxy Research Award in Pharmaceutical Sciences for excellence in research and ACCP's BMS Mentorship in Clinical Pharmacology. He is an active member of several pharmacy groups including AAPS, ACCP and AACP.

Source:
American Pharmacists Association