Dr. Robert Vince Receives Weaver Medal

Robert Vince, PhD, director of the Center for Drug Design at the University of Minnesota, has been selected as the 2022 Lawrence C. and Delores M. Weaver Medal recipient. The award is given annually in recognition of sustained and distinguished support of the College of Pharmacy and its students, and/or acknowledges outstanding contribution to pharmacy education, practice, research or community outreach. 

Vince has distinguished himself as an internationally renowned inventor of new drug molecules and technologies, including the HIV drug Ziagen™. His legacy of innovation and excellence continue to leave a lasting impact on the University and the College of Pharmacy. 

“When [Ziagen] launched, the drug revolutionized the treatment of patients suffering from HIV and set a new standard of care that saved millions of lives world-wide,” said Dr. Dave Ferguson, one of Vince’s nominators.

Under his leadership, the Center for Drug Design has emerged as a driving force in the development of new technologies and treatments that address unmet needs in diagnosing and treating diseases. The Center has developed a drug for treatment of cyanide poisoning and a novel diagnostic tool by retinal scanning for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease.

Vince’s leadership, teaching, mentorship and relentless pursuit of innovation were honored at an event on August 15, 2023. Members of the college community gathered for a celebration of the excellence demonstrated by Vince and his fellow Weaver Medalists.