This award was established in recognition of Dr. Heinz Berendes (1925-1999). Dr. Berendes led a long, impactful career in pediatric and perinatal epidemiologic research. Dr. Berendes was deeply committed to the health of disadvantaged mothers and children and led research on maternal and child nutrition in Asia, Latin America, and the United States.
To be eligible for the award, the candidate must have resided outside of the U.S. and Canada at the time the work was conducted. The paper should be focused primarily on a population outside of the U.S. and Canada. Work from low-and middle-income countries is encouraged, but not required. The paper should represent work in the field of reproductive, perinatal, or pediatric epidemiology.
To be considered for the award, the following documents must be submitted in a single PDF file named as the candidate’s last name with the initials HB appended at the beginning (i.e., HB_lastname):
- Cover letter from the candidate describing the submission including name, address, telephone number, email address, current position, name of the supervisor under which the work was completed, and when and where the work was completed.
- Completed manuscript
While the paper must be unpublished when submitted for consideration for the award, it may be under review. Authors do not have to be SPER members to apply but will be asked to join SPER if selected for the award (note: annual student/fellow membership is greatly discounted). Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Attendance to the annual meeting is required to receive the award. Winners will be reimbursed up to $750 for domestic and $1500 for international travel. Travel expense receipts must be submitted in order to receive funds. The winner will also receive $500 plus two-night hotel stay, and SPER Meeting registration costs will be waived.
Important note: Candidates must submit the abstract of their paper via the regular Annual Meeting call for abstracts if they wish to have the paper considered for the meeting in the event they do not receive the Heinz Berendes Award.
Evaluation criteria (to be scored by award reviewers in equal weight);
(1) Originality and novelty of the research question
(2) Soundness of analytical methods
(3) Presentation/scientific communication
(4) Impact of the work on global health (population outside of U.S. and Canada)
(5) Rationale and relevance to reproductive, perinatal, or pediatric epidemiology.