Yuan-Cheng Fung the 2007 Recipient of the Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ Prize
The 2007 Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ Prize is awarded to Dr. Yuan-Cheng "Bert" Fung "for the characterization and modeling of human tissue mechanics and function leading to prevention and mitigation of trauma."
Dr. Yuan-Cheng B. Fung is Professor Emeritus and Research Engineer at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). In the 1980s, Dr. Fung initiated a new direction for bioengineering and coined the term "tissue engineering." This not only developed into a new integrative research theme at UCSD Bioengineering, but has also become the focus of nearly all major bioengineering programs in the country. His innovative research has formed the foundation of industrial applications in a variety of fields, including the tissue engineering of cardiovascular, urinary, musculoskeletal and cutaneous systems. Dr. Fung's studies have contributed importantly to the development of skin substitute to treat burn patients, and he has worked with Advanced Tissue Sciences, Inc. on a project to develop a tissue-engineered vascular graft. Dr. Fung has also built superb graduate and undergraduate programs at UCSD, whose graduates have made important contributions in their fields. His several authoritative books are used widely as textbooks in most schools in this country and abroad. Dr. Fung has received numerous awards and honors, including the NAE Founders Award in 1998 and the National Medal of Science in 2000. He is also one of the very few elected to membership in all three national academies, the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering and Institute of Medicine.
The Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ Prize, established in October 1999, is named after Fritz Russ, an esteemed engineer and founder of Systems Research Laboratories, and his wife Dolores Russ, a long-time supporter and benefactor of the engineering industry.
The NAE established the prize at the request of Ohio University to honor the Russes for their dedication to education and the field of engineering. Fritz Russ graduated from Ohio University in 1942 with a B.S. in electrical engineering.
The Russ Prize recognizes engineering achievement that has had a significant impact on society and has contributed to the advancement of the human condition through widespread use. Currently, the Russ Prize recognizes achievement in bioengineering. Therefore, an auxiliary purpose of the Russ Prize is to encourage the engineering and medical/biological professions to work closely together.
Awarded biennially (odd number years), the recipient receives a $500,000 cash award and a gold medallion. NAE members and non-members worldwide are eligible to receive the Russ Prize.