The Prize honors outstanding scientists who profoundly advance the science that underlies our understanding of pregnancy, parturition, and prenatal development.
Created as a tribute to Dr. Jonas Salk shortly before his death in 1995, the Prize has been awarded annually since 1996.
It’s now named in recognition of Dr. Richard B. Johnston, Jr. MD, March of Dimes Medical Director when the Prize was initiated.
Dr. Johnston, Jr. is a member of the National Academy of Medicine.
It carries a cash award "to scientific leaders who have pioneered research to advance our understanding of prenatal development and pregnancy[1]".