Grand Challenges Winner Lands Another Honor

Shekhar (left) received the award from IU President and IURTC Chairman Michael McRobbie.

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Just days after becoming the inaugural winner of Indiana University’s Grand Challenges Program, Anantha Shekhar has received another award from the university. Shekhar, who is a professor at IU’s School of Medicine, has won the first Outstanding Innovator Award from the IU Research and Technology Corp.

The award was presented to Shekhar by IU President and IURTC Chairman Michael McRobbie. Shekhar said he appreciated the recognition from the IURTC because of the number of innovative researchers throughout IU’s campuses.

"The impact of the research being done at IU extends around the world," said Shekhar. "People around the world are affected by post-traumatic stress disorder, and my goal is to alleviate the suffering they face on a daily basis. That is the hope of all researchers: to reach the people who can benefit most from their innovative work."

After presenting the award, McRobbie said Shekhar’s research reflects the goals of IU’s bicentennial strategic plan. "Indiana University is committed to contributing to the economic development and prosperity of Indiana by translating discoveries and innovations of its faculty into new products, services and companies," he said. "Anantha has proven to be one of the leaders in this area by developing his research of post-traumatic stress disorder through the IURTC SpinUp program and delivering his work to improve people’s lives around the globe."

Shekhar, who is also the co-founder of Anagin LLC, will lead the Precision Health Initiative, which was named Monday the first recipient of funding under the $300 million Grand Challenges Program. The initiative will receive up to $40 million in funding from the program and up to an additional $80 million from the IU School of Medicine.

Shekhar said his goal was to cure one cancer and one childhood disease over the next decade.