The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health has awarded Dr. Aaron Marcus, professor of medicine and professor of medicine in pathology and laboratory medicine, the important Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) Award. Providing extended grant support to investigators whose scientific contributions are distinctly superior and who are likely to perform in an outstanding manner, the MERIT Award may be extended for up to 10 years.
The NHLBI selected Dr. Marcus' grant application for cell-cell interactions in thrombosis in September, recommending it for the MERIT grant based on the study's recognized importance and special promise. Dr. Marcus' previous record of outstanding scientific achievement also contributed to his selection for the award.
Faculty from Weill Cornell and other institutions alike extended their warm congratulations to Dr. Marcus for his impressive achievement. "This award is a testament to the significance and longevity of your research," said Dr. Antonio Gotto. "We at Weill Cornell Medical College are proud of your achievements and are honored to work with you."
Said Dr. David Hajjar, dean of the Graduate School of Medical Sciences, "You certainly continue to bring distinction and exemplary scholarship to our institution as you have since 1958."
Dr. Andrew Schafer, chairman of the Department of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, noted, "The MERIT Award is hardly a surprise because there is no one in American hematology who deserves it more richly than you. It is wonderful recognition of your brilliant lifelong achievements, and your remarkable ability to continually create and inspire new lines of high-impact study."
Dr. Marcus' research on the physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology of blood cells and vessels has spanned nearly 50 years. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the International Aspirin Senior Award in 2001 and the 1994 Bristol-Myers Squibb Award for Distinguished Achievement in Cardiovascular Research. Dr. Marcus' extensive involvement in veterans' affairs has also garnered him recognition from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the William S. Middleton Award from the Veterans Administration.