The Schroepfer Medal recognizes a scientist who has made significant and distinguished advances in the steroid field.
To honor the memory of George J. Schroepfer, Jr., a leader in the sterol and lipid field for more than 40 years, the Schroepfer Medal was established. The award aims to foster Schroepfer’s ideals of personal integrity, high scientific standards, perseverance and a strong spirit of survival, tempered by charm and wit. Initiated by colleagues of George Schroepfer, this award is presented every other year.
What does the recipient receive?
- Bronze Medal
- Honorarium (determined by the endowed fund investment return)
- Opportunity to present an award lecture at the AOCS Annual Meeting
Who is eligible?
- Scientists who have made:
- significant and distinguished accomplishments in the steroid field, which is defined to encompass sterols and other natural and synthetic compounds incorporating the tetracyclic gonane ring system
- fundamental advances that are primarily chemical, pharmacological, or analytical will also be considered
- Preference is given to mature scientists who have not previously received a major award at the national or international level
- Special consideration is given to interdisciplinary research in which rigorous chemical and analytical methods were applied to elucidate the biochemical and physiological roles of steroids in animals, plants, or microorganisms
- AOCS membership is not required, but preference is given to members
Most Recent Recipient
Steven J. Fliesler, PhD, FARVO, is a SUNY Distinguished Professor and the Meyer H. Riwchun Endowed Chair Professor of Ophthalmology at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo. He also serves as Vice-Chair and Director of Research at the Ross Eye Institute, holds joint appointments in Biochemistry and Neuroscience, and is a Research Career Scientist at the Buffalo VA Medical Center. His research focuses on the role of cholesterol and isoprenoid lipids in retinal development and disease, as well as on eye injuries from blast exposure. He has published over 150 scholarly works and has received continuous research funding for more than 40 years.
Dr. Fliesler is widely recognized for his leadership and service in the vision research community, including editorial roles for leading journals and service on numerous national and international boards, committees, and advisory panels. He has received many prestigious awards, including the Retina Research Foundation’s Paul Kayser International Award in Retina Research and the ARVO Foundation Honoree distinction. He frequently delivers keynote lectures worldwide and has played key roles in advancing research integrity training and mentoring the next generation of vision scientists.