Dr. Emily Ricotta Recognized as Finalist for Prestigious Einstein Foundation Award

USU Professor Tackles Global Health Data Gaps with Epidemic Response Strategy

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Dr. Emily Ricotta was a finalist for the 2024 Einstein Foundation Award. (Photo credit: Tom Balfour, USU)

November 19, 2024 by Sharon Holland

Dr. Emily Ricotta, assistant professor of Epidemiology in the Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics at the Uniformed Services University (USU), was honored last week as a finalist for the 2024 Einstein Foundation Award for Promoting Quality in Research. Ricotta was among five groundbreaking researchers selected from a pool of 109 applicants to present their work at Berlin Science Week 2024. Although Ricotta did not take the top prize, her recognition as an Early Career Award finalist underscores the global impact of her work.

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Dr. Emily Ricotta, assistant professor of Epidemiology in the Department of Preventative Medicine and Biostatistics at USU. (USU photo)

Ricotta's innovative project, Global Infectious Disease Data Standard (GIDS) for Epidemic Settings, tackles a critical gap in global health preparedness. During infectious disease outbreaks, high-quality data is essential for timely policy decisions and healthcare guidance. Observational studies, which are faster, more affordable, and flexible compared to randomized controlled trials, can provide vital insights into disease progression and at-risk populations. However, these studies often lack standardization, resulting in biased and inconsistent findings, particularly during epidemics.

GIDS aims to establish the first global standard for improving the quality and reliability of observational infectious disease studies. Through scoping literature reviews and expert consultations, the project seeks to enhance the rigor and comparability of these studies, ultimately enabling better health interventions worldwide.

The Einstein Foundation Award, with a prize of 500,000 euros, or roughly $530,000, celebrates researchers and institutions advancing the quality and robustness of scientific findings. Presented in partnership with the QUEST Center for Responsible Research at the Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, the award highlights the importance of quality and accountability in addressing global challenges.

According to Martin Rennert, chair of the Einstein Foundation's Executive Board, the award's mission is "to honor those who lead the way in improving research culture and practice, promoting a future where scientific findings are not only more robust but also more relevant for society."

"We need high-quality data to make informed medical and public health decisions - but quality data does not generate itself. The Einstein Foundation Award for Promoting Quality in Research provides funding for projects to understand and improve data across the scientific spectrum," Ricotta says. "It was an honor to be selected as one of the top finalists for the Early Career Award, and speaks to the importance of my project's goal: the development of a global infectious disease data standard for epidemic settings."

"Dr. Ricotta's recognition as a finalist for the Einstein Foundation's Early Career Award is a testament to her exceptional contributions to epidemiologic and infectious disease research. Her innovative work on standardizing data for epidemic response demonstrates not only scientific rigor but also a deep commitment to improving health outcomes worldwide," said Dr. James Mancuso, chair of the Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics at USU. "We are incredibly proud of her achievements and look forward to the far-reaching impact of her work."

To view Ricotta's presentation, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yxs3qcYPQBk

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