2024 Vesalius Innovation Award

The VIA celebrates outstanding medical advancements and innovations from young entrepreneurs and start-ups. This is a unique opportunity for exposure and gives science’s future leaders the chance to take their ideas to the next level.

The prestigious award is inspired by surgeon Andreas Vesalius and his 1543 publication, De Humanis Corporis Fabrica. With this body of work, Vesalius revolutionized anatomy and elevated typography and illustration, laying the foundation for future generations to explore the human body from an entirely new perspective.

Now in its fifth year, the 2024 VIA anniversary edition invites qualified applications from entrepreneurs in science communications.

Focus

The focus this year will include the following topics, but that doesn’t mean you have to cover all of them.

• Science Communications
  • Science communication simplifies complex scientific concepts for diverse audiences, fostering understanding, engagement, and trust. At the Vesalius Innovation Award, they honor advancements in science communication that empower individuals with knowledge, promoting informed decision-making.
• Artificial Intelligence
  • Revolutionizing science communication by harnessing the power of AI to enhance the dissemination and understanding of complex scientific concepts.
• Education
  • Empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate science’s complexities, fostering a culture of curiosity and informed decision-making.
• Information Transfer – from the Lab to the Public
  • Bridging the gap between scientific discoveries and public understanding by making complex research accessible and engaging for broader audiences.
• New Business Models in Publishing
  • Exploring innovative publishing techniques to transform the dissemination of scientific knowledge and enhance the accessibility, affordability, and impact of research findings.
• Research Integrity
  • Upholding trust and credibility in science communication by ensuring honest and ethical inquiry and dissemination.

Rewards and Prizes

• The overall winner will be awarded a prize of USD 15,000 and two runners-up USD 5,000 each. The top five startups will profit from media coverage, mentoring by experienced experts or Karger employees and will be present at the live pitching event and the award ceremony.
• 1st Runner-Up: USD 5,000
• Winner: USD 15,000
• 2nd Runner-Up: USD 5,000

Criteria

• Startups may apply for participation in the VIA.
• For a successful application, the startup shall meet the following criteria:
  • Early stage phase
  • Willingness to participate in the mentoring and on site during the final event
  • The project shall lay its focus on publishing and science communications.
• Travel costs to the final event may be covered partly or fully by Karger, dependent on prior agreement.

For more information, visit Karger Publishers.