Nomination Form: John H. Richardson Special Recognition Award

The purpose of this award is to recognize a significant contribution.

The John H. Richardson Special Recognition Award honors a current ABSA member for a specific, significant contribution that has meaningfully advanced ABSA International and/or the biosafety profession.  Nominees for this award may have enhanced ABSA programs, guidance, or initiatives OR advanced biosafety practices, policy, education, or standards.

Nominations must be received by the ABSA Office no later than July 31, 2026.

This candidate’s contribution should have measurable or widely acknowledged impact and demonstrate professional excellence with a commitment to biosafety.  These contributions may include (but are not limited to):  

• Development of a major guidance document or resource
• Creation of a new ABSA initiative, program, or tool
• Leadership of a high-impact project, publication or scholarly work that significantly influenced practice
• A strategic effort that strengthens the profession.

John H. Richardson was an early mentor and teacher of biological safety. He was a prolific author of many biosafety articles as well as a contributing author to many of our recognized guides to biosafety. Some of his contributory works are: coauthoring the 2nd edition of the Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL); contributing author to: Biosafety in the Laboratory: Prudent Practices for the Handling and Disposal of Infectious Materials (1989); contributing author to: Nonhuman Primates in Biomedical Commented [JK2]: This seems to limit this to those who hold the top biosafety position in an organization. How relevant is that to service to ABSA international. Perhaps a statement such as "Service as a biosafety professional within an academic, government, or industry biosafety program". Research: Biology and Management (1995); as well as contributing author: Laboratory Safety: Principles and Practices, 2nd edition.