TAMEST Receives $1.15 Million to Support Next Generation of Top Scientists
The O’Donnell Foundation has announced a $1.15 million gift to TAMEST (The Academy of Medicine, Engineering, and Science of Texas) to further support outstanding achievements by the next generation of top scientists.
The gift will help expand the Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards, which recognize rising star Texas researchers addressing the essential role that science and technology play in society. The work of these scientists meets the highest standards of exemplary professional performance, creativity and resourcefulness.
The expansion of the Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards will create an additional science award. The awards will now recognize recipients in the categories of Medicine, Engineering, Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences and Technology Innovation. (Previously, the TAMEST O’Donnell Awards rotated its science award between physical and biological sciences every year.)
Since its inception, the O’Donnell Awards have honored 67 award recipients, 15 of which have been elected to one of the National Academies.
“The TAMEST Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards have made a significant impact on the Texas research community, and we are honored to help support Texas’ next generation of top scientists through our partnership with TAMEST,” said William T. Solomon, Chairman, President and CEO, O’Donnell Foundation. “We hope this expansion will continue to develop more top research talent in Texas and showcase the exceptional innovations in our state.
“As we celebrate our 17th year fostering the next generation of Texas scientists through this first-class initiative, we are inspired by the tremendous amount of talent in our state and are thankful for the O’Donnell Foundation’s generous gift, which will broaden our capacity to recognize Texas’ most exceptional scientists,” said David E. Daniel, Ph.D. (NAE), TAMEST Board President. “Expanding this transformative program at TAMEST is a fitting way to honor the legacy of Edith and Peter O’Donnell.”
Nominations for the 2023 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards open Tuesday, February 1 through Tuesday, May 31, 2022.
About the Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards
The Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards annually recognize rising Texas researchers who are addressing the essential role that science and technology play in society, and whose work meets the highest standards of exemplary professional performance, creativity and resourcefulness.
Over $1 million has been awarded to more than 60 recipients in the categories of medicine, engineering, science and technology innovation since the inception of the O’Donnell Awards in 2006. Fifteen O’Donnell Awards Recipients have gone on to be elected to the National Academies.
About The O’Donnell Foundation
Incorporated in 1957, the O’Donnell Foundation is devoted to building model programs to enhance the quality of education. The O’Donnell Foundation’s purpose is charitable and educational, with an emphasis on strengthening math and science programs in Texas. The O’Donnell Foundation primarily supports engineering, science, and mathematics education at the graduate level. The Foundation also supports Advanced Placement programs (math, science, English, art) as well as arts programs in higher education. The majority of its education grants are to public institutions in Texas.
