2008 Special Recognition Award winners: Rita Hoffman, RAC and Kenichi Matsumoto

The Special Recognition Award recognizes unique contributions and achievements of individuals and organizations that advance the quality of health and regulatory affairs. View past award winners.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Nominee’s efforts/projects must have been undertaken within the last two years
2. RAPS member

Review Criteria: Submissions for special awards will be evaluated by the outcome/results on the importance and impact on the profession and/or for health related issues as well as by the unique aspects and/or contributions of the project. Emphasis will be given on improving regulatory processes and advancing public health along with outreach.

Areas of Consideration for the RAPS Special Recognition Award includes:

1. International outreach. Many regulatory professionals and organizations contribute valuable professional and personal time and commitment to undertake activities beyond their direct business interests to enhance quality of health care internationally. Projects or special activities submitted in this category may relate to areas such as: development of special health services or training programs; voluntary teaching assignments in health and/or regulatory related areas; increasing awareness of the RA profession and its role in developing nations; furthering international cooperation in the biomedical/health product and regulatory area; special contributions to RAPS international information tracking and knowledge development efforts.
2. Innovations to regulatory processes. This category recognizes special contributions to improving the regulatory process through efforts in areas such as policy development, technical improvements, business strategy innovations, communication strategies, etc. Submissions in this category must show the individual or organization's substantive contribution to the innovation and discuss how this has improved regulatory processes.
3. Increasing understanding of regulatory affairs. This category recognizes special efforts of RA professionals to increase understanding of the regulatory process and its vital role in the health sector among other professionals, business leaders and/or the public.
4. Local outreach and networking.
5. This category is designed to recognize innovative and effective efforts to increase professional awareness and involvement in local areas or regions.
6. Special service to RAPS. This category recognizes exceptional contributions to guiding and implementing initiatives, programs and/or special projects.

Nomination Process

The nomination should be submitted by an individual familiar with the professional accomplishments of the nominee. Nominations may be submitted electronically to awards@raps.org.

Nomination Materials Must Include:

1. Award Entry Form (pdf)
2. Nomination letter (not to exceed five pages) including the following:
   • Category of submission (e.g., international outreach, innovations in RA, local efforts, special service to RAPS).
   • Description of the purpose or objectives of the project or activity (including target audience, if relevant).
   • Brief summary of how the project/activity was undertaken.
   • Outcomes/results.
   • Discussion of unique aspects and/or contributions of the project or activity.
3. Letter(s) of support from participants or others who are aware of the project/activity and its impact
4. Samples of any materials (if relevant) such as program announcements, agendas, reference materials, etc. (Please identify any material that is proprietary)