The National Academy of Engineering established the Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ Prize in 1999 to recognize outstanding achievement in an engineering field that is currently of critical importance and that contributes to the advancement of science and engineering, as well as improves a person's quality of life and has widespread application or use.

Modeled after the Nobel Prize, The Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ Prize recognizes outstanding achievement in an engineering field of critical importance that contributes to improving the human condition.

The Russ Prize is one of engineering's highest honors, awarding winners $500,000.

The prize was established in October 1999 through a multimillion-dollar endowment to Ohio University from Fritz Russ, a 1942 engineering graduate, and his wife, Dolores. It was established to honor the profession of engineering and attract more men and women to the field.

Selection Process
Nominations for the prize are submitted to the National Academy of Engineering, which creates a search committee comprised of members of the academy and Ohio University officials to review and select a winner. The winner must have made an advancement that has greatly affected human society.

For more information visit: http://www.nae.edu/awards