2011 Richard Skalak Award

Abstract

Richard Skalak (1923–1997) played a leadership role in the formative decades of the discipline of biomedical engineering through his technical contributions in biomechanics, his educational influence on students, and his service to many developing societies and journals. Richard Skalak believed in several central approaches to bioengineering and several central values in working with people. In bioengineering, these were (1) the useful combination of mathematical and computational modeling with experimental results, to better inform the new biological understanding that is derived, and (2) the inclusion of both microscale and macroscale phenomena in understanding complex biological systems. In terms of mentoring students and collaborating with colleagues, these were (1) share ideas freely, (2) listen to the ideas of others and integrate the best into new developments, and (3) show tolerance and respect for others at all times. The awardees certainly exemplify all of these characteristics, and in addition, during his career in bioengineering, Richard Skalak worked on significant problems in the function and repair of bone and joint complexes—he would be proud to see this substantial advance in understanding of one of the most complex biomechanical joints. Thus, we feel that the legacy of Richard Skalak’s example is greatly enhanced by this outstanding example of modern bioengineering.