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An Early Career Off to a Stellar Start

James Gulley receives prestigious Presidential Award.

Photo shows NIH Director Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D., HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, M.P.A., James L. Gulley, M.D., Ph.D., White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director John P. Holdren, Ph.D.
NIH Director Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D., HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, M.P.A., James L. Gulley, M.D., Ph.D., White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director John P. Holdren, Ph.D. (Photo: White House Office of Science and Technology Policy)

“It is inspiring to see the innovative work being done by these scientists and engineers as they ramp up their careers—careers that I know will be not only personally rewarding but also invaluable to the Nation.”
President Barack Obama
White House Press Release, September 2011

The White House recently named James L. Gulley, M.D., Ph.D., Deputy Chief of CCR’s Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, a recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed by the United States Government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers. Gulley was selected for using randomized, controlled studies to test novel, recombinant vaccines to reduce the progression of prostate and other cancers and to increase patients’ survival.

This award has been given annually since President Bill Clinton commissioned the National Science and Technology Council to create it in 1996. Sixteen Federal departments and agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), join together annually to nominate the most meritorious candidates. Awardees are selected for their pursuit of innovative research at the frontiers of science and technology and their commitment to scientific leadership, public education, or community outreach.

Gulley was one of 20 HHS employees honored this fall, and one of 94 recipients overall. The scientists and engineers selected received their awards in a ceremony on October 14, 2011, in Washington, D.C.