Solovy Award for Advancement in COPD

The Solovy Award for Advancement in COPD recognizes innovation and continued progress in the prevention, treatment, and cure for COPD. One award will be given. The recipient will receive between $20,000 and $25,000 to be used for COPD research as the awardee deems fit. 

The award was established at Respiratory Health Association by Kathleen Hart Solovy in memory of her husband, Jerold S. Solovy, a distinguished Chicago trial lawyer and former chairman of Jenner & Block. Jerry lived for many years with COPD, and both he and Kathleen recognized the health burden to people who live with COPD.

Solovy Award Eligibility Criteria

The Solovy Award for Advancement in COPD will be awarded to an individual with a Doctor of Medicine at any stage of his/her career who has made significant research contributions impacting the field of COPD.

The award is made to an individual researcher; this award may recognize lifetime contributions to basic, clinical/translational (including patient-oriented research) and social/behavioral studies.

The award may recognize either a body of research work accomplished over the career of the awardee or for specific research accomplishments during the year preceding the awardee’s nomination.

This award is not limited to scientific accomplishment or direct patient care.

How to Submit a Nomination

View the 2026 Solovy Award Call for Nominations for eligibility details, award information, and submission instructions.

• Complete the Solovy Award for Advancement in COPD Nomination Form
• Submit nominee’s current curriculum vitae.
• Submit one letter of recommendation on behalf of nominee outlining his or her qualifications (no more than one page length). Only one recommendation letter per candidate will be accepted.
• Nomination form, CV, and letter of recommendation should be emailed to Rachael Morkunas at rmorkunas@resphealth.org

Nomination Deadline: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 by 5:00PM (CST)

Award Date: The Solovy Award for Advancement in COPD will be announced on or about June 18, 2026 to Respiratory Health Association’s stakeholders and community.

For more information about the Solovy Award for Advancement in COPD, contact Rachael Morkunas, Program Director, via email at rmorkunas@resphealth.org or by phone at (312) 628-0233.