Unlike many other awards focusing on products and innovations, the new award, from the newly formed Ramazanov Award Foundation (RAF), will reward individuals for their ethical behavior and unbiased scientific integrity.
"The ultimate goal of the Foundation is to develop a network of industry professionals that demonstrate that the rigorous practice of scientific integrity can and should be an essential part of success in the natural product marketplace," said Leonid Ber, MD., president of the foundation.
"We dedicate this initiative to be in the service of a larger and growing movement among industry stakeholders who are rightfully concerned about the industry credibility as a whole and who are determined to protect it and expand it," he added.
Nominations are being sought for the award, with the closing date set for February 22, 2008.
According to the foundation's webpage, the criteria for nominations include: "An industry member who has time and again shown to exhibit an unbiased scientific approach to addressing the marketing 'hysteria' and 'sensationalism' often found in the dietary supplement and natural products industry.
"Such individual would be someone who strives to add credibility and professionalism to the industry as a whole, moving it into the future with sound review, research and or constructive criticisms making it a successful and rewarding field.
"This individual will have dedicated their time and work toward making significant contributions and improvements in the health and well being of other individuals through nutrition and natural products."
The foundation was set up shortly after the tragic death of Zakir Ramazanov, a prominent figure in the US dietary supplements industry.
Dr. Ramazanov's contributions include advances in lycopene extraction technology, extraction and standardization of antioxidants from fruits and vegetables, cultivation of Spirulina; and also the introduction of Siberian Rhodiola rosea, pomegranate extract, and algae-derived carotenoid fucoxanthin to the North American marketplace.
The awards are scheduled for presentation at SupplySide East in Secaucus, NJ (April 28-30).
For further information and to make nominations, please visit: http://www.ramazanovaward.org