John W. Walsh (Courtesy Photo)

The “Stem Cells, Cell Therapies, and Bioengineering in Lung Biology and Diseases” conference at the University of Vermont now offers a new, competitive travel scholarship that honors the legacy of late Alpha-1 Foundation co-founder John W. Walsh, who passed away March 7, 2017.

The Alpha-1 Foundation was established in 1995 by Walsh, Sandy Lindsey and Susan Stanley – all three of whom had been diagnosed with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1), a genetic (inherited) condition that can result in serious lung disease in adults and/or liver disease at any age. The Foundation aims to promote research and the development of new therapies for improving the quality of life for those diagnosed with Alpha-1.

Funded by the Alpha-1 Foundation, the new travel scholarship is designed to allow a promising young investigator, trainee or junior faculty member to attend the biennial Stem Cells conference. The winner of the award is selected through a competitive abstract application process.

“We are honored to announce a travel scholarship for the Stem Cells, Cell Therapies, and Bioengineering in Lung Biology and Diseases in memory of our friend and long-time supporter John Walsh,” said conference co-chair Daniel Weiss, M.D., Ph.D., professor of medicine at the Larner College of Medicine at UVM. “One of the most important missions of this symposium is to engage and support young researchers working in the field and this scholarship helps ensure their participation.”

Walsh led the Foundation as president and CEO for more than 20 years. Under his leadership, the organization became internationally recognized for its commitment to people affected by Alpha–1 and for investing more than $65 million in research and programs worldwide to find a cure for Alpha-1. Prior to co-founding the Foundation, Walsh was the creator and leader of several successful businesses. He became known as the leading voice internationally for the Alpha-1 community, as a tireless advocate for research, clinical care, and legislation to benefit people with the lung and liver diseases related to Alpha-1.

The memorial scholarship award will include payment or reimbursement of the registration fee, lodging for the duration of the conference and coach rate air travel.