The Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health (ICMH) honors researchers, educators, mentors, trainees and scientific leaders whose work advances musculoskeletal health. These awards recognize the people behind discovery: trainees preparing to share their research nationally, faculty who make complex science accessible, mentors who shape careers, investigators who turn ideas into practical advances and speakers whose expertise deepens understanding of the field. Together, the awards reflect the many forms of excellence that move musculoskeletal science forward.
The Sharon Moe and Lilian Plotkin ICMH Mentorship Award honors people who make a lasting difference in the careers of others. Named for Sharon Moe, MD, and Lilian Plotkin, PhD, the award recognizes mentors who guide students, trainees, early-career investigators and peers through the scientific, professional and personal decisions that shape a career.
Recipients are recognized for sustained mentorship, thoughtful advocacy, constructive guidance and a commitment to helping others gain confidence, independence and opportunity. This award celebrates mentorship as a lasting contribution to musculoskeletal health, measured through the growth, success and leadership of the people a mentor has supported.
The Michael Econs and Philip Low ICMH Innovator Award honors investigators who turn promising ideas into advances with practical value for human health. Named for Michael Econs, MD, and Philip Low, PhD, the award recognizes creativity, persistence and problem-solving in musculoskeletal research.
Recipients may be developing new technologies, therapeutics, diagnostics, devices, methods or other approaches that help move discoveries from the laboratory toward real-world use. The award also recognizes the demanding work required to protect, translate and implement an idea, including patents, licensing, commercialization, startup development, industry partnerships or other pathways that can bring research closer to patients and communities.
The Fredrick Pavalko MSHS Teaching Award honors faculty who help students understand the science of musculoskeletal health and prepare for future work in research, education and clinical settings. Named for Fredrick Pavalko, PhD, a dedicated educator, mentor and leader, the award recognizes teaching that is clear, rigorous, engaging and responsive to student needs.
Recipients may be course directors or individual lecturers in the Musculoskeletal Health Sciences Graduate Program whose teaching has made a meaningful difference in how students learn, ask questions and develop as scientists. The award celebrates educators whose influence continues through the students and trainees they prepare.
The Charles H. Turner Young Investigator Bone Research Award provides travel support for trainees in musculoskeletal research to attend major scientific meetings. For graduate students, residents and postdoctoral fellows, these meetings can be defining professional experiences: a chance to present their work, receive feedback from leading scientists, meet future collaborators and see where their research fits within the broader field. The award honors the legacy of Charles H. Turner, PhD, a pioneering scientist in skeletal biomechanics and bone biology, by supporting the next generation of investigators.
Recipients are trainees affiliated with IU School of Medicine, IU Indianapolis or Purdue University, with support available for the Advances in Mineral Metabolism meeting each year and the Orthopaedic Research Society Musculoskeletal Biology Workshop every two years.
The David Burr Mid-Career Award honors investigators who have built strong, independent research programs and are making sustained contributions to musculoskeletal health. Named for David Burr, PhD, an internationally recognized scientist in musculoskeletal biology, the award recognizes a stage of career marked by scientific leadership, continued productivity and growing influence in the field. Recipients have demonstrated excellence through research discoveries, publications, funding, mentorship, collaboration and national or international recognition. The award affirms the importance of investigators who are beyond the earliest stages of their careers and continuing to expand the questions, methods and partnerships that drive musculoskeletal research forward.
The David Burr Service Award honors ICMH members whose contributions often extend beyond formal roles: serving on committees, organizing programs, connecting colleagues, supporting trainees and helping research teams work across disciplines. Named for David Burr, PhD, whose leadership and service helped shape the musculoskeletal research community, this award recognizes people who give their time and expertise to support the work of others. For recipients, the award affirms that service is a vital form of leadership. It acknowledges the people whose reliability, judgment and generosity create opportunities for research, education, mentorship and collaboration to succeed.
Lynda Bonewald Distinguished Speaker Award: Brings a leading international researcher to ICMH to share pioneering work, foster collaboration and elevate scientific exchange.
L. Daniel Wurtz and G. David Roodman Musculoskeletal Oncology Distinguished Speaker Award: Supports a distinguished expert in musculoskeletal cancer to engage with ICMH and the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, advancing knowledge and collaboration in oncology.
Gifts help sustain awards that recognize outstanding trainees, teachers, mentors, scientists, innovators and invited speakers. By supporting these awards, donors help make meaningful recognition and professional development possible for people advancing musculoskeletal health.