Innovation and Leadership in Global Health Award
The Rice360 Innovation and Leadership in Global Health Award recognizes individuals whose work exemplifies a commitment to advancing global health through innovative thinking, visionary leadership, and meaningful impact. The award honors those who translate ideas into practical solutions that address pressing health challenges, expand access to healthcare technologies, and improve health outcomes, particularly in resource-limited settings. By celebrating leaders who bridge innovation, research, and real-world implementation, Rice360 seeks to highlight the power of technology and collaboration to advance health equity worldwide.
Each year, award recipients are invited to deliver a keynote address at the Rice360 Undergraduate Global Health Technologies Design Competition, where they share their experiences, insights, and lessons learned with the next generation of global health innovators. Through this recognition, the award celebrates impactful contributions to global health while inspiring students to pursue creative, equitable, and sustainable solutions to healthcare challenges around the world.
2027 Keynote Presentation
Stay tuned for the announcement of the keynote speaker for the 2027 Rice360 Innovation and Leadership in Global Health Award and the 17th Annual Rice360 International Global Health Technologies Design Competition.
Previous Award Recipients
| 2026 |
Dr. Joseph Lubega, MD, MPH, CPE Director at Texas Children's Global Health Network, Associate Professor at Baylor College of Medicine |
| 2025 |
Professor at Cayetano Heredia University, and Former Peruvian Minister of Health Professor and Biomedical Engineer, Kenyatta University |
|
2024 |
Founder and CEO, JustActions Biomedical Researcher and Engineer, University of Washington (Formerly) |
|
2023 |
Theresa Mkandawire, PhD Associate Professor, Malawi University of Business & Applied Sciences Global Health Executive, Clinton Health Access Initiative |
|
2022 |
Medical Director, NICU, Boston Children’s Hospital Associate Chief, Newborn Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School |
|
2021 |
Uganda Country Manager, CAMTech Uganda Pediatrician & Lecturer, Mbarara University of Science & Technology |
|
2020 |
Rockefeller Foundation Fellow |
|
2019 |
CEO & Co-Founder, VIA Global Health |
|
2018 |
Dr. Roger Glass Director, Fogarty International Center Associate Director for International Research, NIH |