BioCrossroads has named Eli Lilly CEO, Dave Ricks, the recipient of the 2024 August M. Watanabe Life Sciences Champion of the Year Award.
The award was presented at the BioCrossroads Life Sciences Summit and recognizes Ricks’ contributions to Indiana’s life sciences sector and his global impact on health care innovation.
Under Ricks’ leadership, Lilly invested billions into research and development to tackle challenging diseases. This strategy propelled Lilly to the forefront of treatment development in areas like obesity, oncology, immunology and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and ALS. In 2024, Lilly committed over $9 billion in capital investments in Indiana.
“Dave exemplifies the spirit of discovery and collaboration that this award represents,” said Vince Wong, president and CEO of BioCrossroads.
The award was established in honor of BioCrossroads’ late chairman, Dr. August “Gus” M. Watanabe, a well-known figure in Indiana’s life sciences community who inspired many people throughout his career.
The recipient must embody those who have:
- Significantly advanced the development, education and promotion of Indiana’s life sciences and health care sector.
- Personified the emerging face of the industry.
- Drove innovative developments that have both local and global impacts.
“We are thrilled to honor Dave Ricks with the August M. Watanabe Life Sciences Champion of the Year Award,” Wong said. “His visionary leadership and strategic focus on innovation at Lilly have not only advanced the life sciences industry in Indiana but have also made a profound global impact on health care.”
To learn more about the August M. Watanabe Life Sciences Champion of the Year Award and the past winners, visit biocrossroads.com.
This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
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Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
