COMPETITION RULES AND REGULATIONS

PURPOSE:

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce strongly supports American industry dedicated to protecting human health through the testing, manufacturing and marketing of biomedical products. As scientific innovation of biomedical products begins at the lab bench, the Chamber has formed a partnership with the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation, a Federal government agency with the mission of promoting and encouraging new discoveries, to recognize, through seven monetary awards, one adult scientist; three secondary school educator; and three secondary school students who are judged to exemplify excellence in the field of life sciences.

In addition, $25,000 in research funds will be presented to the recipient of the Chairmen's Distinguished Life Sciences Award to be used to hire a graduate student to assist with the research or the funds may be used toward the research itself.

ELIGIBILITY AND SELECTION PROCESS:

This is a competition NOT a grant application. Individuals compete and their accomplishments are judged on how they exemplify excellence in life sciences.

The 2010 Life Sciences Awards program shall consist of the following seven awards and research funds:

Chairmen's Distinguished Life Sciences Award

The $25,000 Chairmen's Distinguished Life Sciences Award will be presented to an adult scientist who is making or has recently made a significant and positive contribution related to developing a "cutting edge" innovation in the field of life sciences. The Chairmen's Award will provide incentive for continuing the research. In addition, $25,000 in research funds will be presented to the recipient of the Chairmen's Distinguished Life Sciences Award to be used to hire a graduate student to assist with the research or the funds may be used toward the research itself. In order to receive the research funds, a comprehensive outline on the research project must be submitted and approved by the Foundation.

Criteria

1. All Nominees must be living United States citizens.
2. The Nomination must demonstrate a program of ongoing work with a specific outcome suggesting that an important achievement will result.
3. The Nomination's proposed achievement must benefit human health in a unique and effective manner, demonstrating originality from other work in the same or related field(s).
4. The proposed achievement must correlate to a tangible outcome to advance human health.
5. Any Nomination that does not meet the above stated criteria will be disqualified.

Life Sciences Educator Award

Three $10,000 Life Sciences Educator Award will be presented to current secondary school educators, with at least five years of teaching experience, and who are making or have recently made significant and positive contribution related to promoting the study of life sciences to students.

Criteria

1. All Nominees must be living United States citizens.
2. The Nomination must demonstrate an ongoing teaching strategy that evidences proficiency in instructing students in the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) Biology and/or Chemistry courses. Evidence of proficiency may be demonstrated through showing that a disproportionate percentage of his or her students achieve AP exam grades scoring in the “4” or “5” level of either the Biology and/or Chemistry curriculum.
3. The Nomination must demonstrate an enterprising spirit in teaching and making available resources to students that promote excellence in the study of life science-related coursework.
4. The Nomination must demonstrate outstanding teaching, guidance and mentoring of students for independent study projects.
5. Any Nomination that does not meet the above stated criteria will be disqualified.

Life Sciences Student Awards

Three $5,000 Life Sciences Student Awards will be presented to current secondary school students who are making or have recently made significant and positive contribution related to the study of Biology, Chemistry and other life science courses.

Criteria

1. All Nominees must be living United States citizens.
2. Nominations are strongly encouraged from educators, faculty members and school administrators personally familiar with the student’s academic achievements in the study of life sciences.
3. Nominees must demonstrate ongoing work and/or provide proven evidence that distinguishes them in the study in the study of life sciences.
4. Any Nomination that does not meet the above stated criteria will be disqualified.

NOMINATION MATERIALS:

1. If a Nomination is selected as a semifinalist, the Nominator will be notified and asked to provide copies of supporting materials.
2. All Nominations and materials submitted in connection with the Life Sciences Awards and any reproductions made therefrom, shall be solely, exclusively and entirely the property of the Foundation and shall not be returned.
3. The Foundation shall have the sole and exclusive right to use, and permit others to use, the above stated Nomination and materials including the candidate’s name, likeness, and other biographical information and promotions, news releases and advertising in connection with either present or future Foundation programs or similar programs or awards. All materials submitted become the property of the Foundation without any compensation to the candidate, however, the Foundation does not claim ownership of the “intellectual property” submitted.

ADDITIONAL RULES:

Nominees must be permitted to accept a monetary award bestowed by the Foundation, a Federal government agency.

Awards may be taxable income to the recipient. All tax liabilities are the sole responsibility of the winner. All Federal, State and local laws and regulations apply.

Winners must attend the awards ceremony on July 14, 2010, in Washington, D.C., in order to receive the award. Anyone who cannot attend the award ceremony will automatically be disqualified.

Nominations are received online ONLY at: www.ccolumbusfoundationawards.org. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, April 13, 2010.

The Foundation reserves the right to cancel or change the Life Sciences Awards Program competition at any time at its full discretion.

Questions? Contact Judith Shellenberger at judithmscolumbus@cs.com