William Grizzle, M.D., Ph.D., professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Anatomic Pathology, was recognized recently by the International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories with the 2019 Founder’s Award. Grizzle will be presented with this award at the organization’s annual meeting in Shanghai, China, May 7-10. ISBER is a global biobanking organization.
“Dr. Grizzle has been a leading individual with great foresight to recognize biobanking as an important and emerging field in science,” said David Lewandowski, ISBER president 2018-19. “Since helping to establish ISBER in 1999, he has worked tirelessly to provide the evidence base to support best practices in biobanking. He is highly regarded by his peers as a reviewer and trainer for startup biobanks domestically and internationally. We look forward to presenting him with the Prestigious ISBER Founder’s Award in Shanghai at ISBER’s 20th anniversary May 7-10.”
Grizzle has served as director of UAB’s Tissue Collection and Banking Facility since 1983. He was principal investigator of the Southern Division of the Cooperative Human Tissue Network from 1987-2019, and director of the Biorepository of the Pulmonary Hypertension Breakthrough Initiative from 2006-2019.
“We are thrilled for Dr. Grizzle at this esteemed recognition from the ISBER on his behalf,” said George Netto, M.D., chair of the Department of Pathology. “His work and expertise in biobanking and biorepositories span several decades, making him one of the field’s most respected experts. We thank the ISBER for extending Dr. Grizzle this honor.”
Grizzle is a founding member of ISBER, and a former council member and president of the organization. In 2015, he received the ISBER Award for Outstanding Achievement in Biobanking. He was a trustee of the Biological Statin Commission (BSC) from 1992-2017, serving as president (2000-2004) and vice president (1996-2000). In 2017, Grizzle became a trustee emeritus of the organization.