Garret A. FitzGerald, chair of systems pharmacology and translational therapeutics in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, has received a 2016 Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad. He is the first recipient in the new category of Science, Technology and Innovation.

Charles Flanagan, minister for foreign affairs and trade for Ireland, characterized Dr. FitzGerald as a “globally recognized research physician and scientist … an active member of our diaspora [who is] closely engaged in facilitating scientific endeavor in Ireland.”

The Presidential Distinguished Service Award was established in 2011 by the Republic of Ireland to recognize the contribution of Irish citizens and persons of Irish descent who have made a “valuable contribution to people’s lives.” Only people who live outside of Ireland can be nominated for the award. Nominations were made by Irish communities abroad through Ireland’s network of diplomatic missions.

Dr. FitzGerald received his undergraduate and medical degrees from University College Dublin.

The award recognizes the impact of his research on the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, and his efforts in supporting the training and mentorship of Irish researchers.

Dr. FitzGerald is also director of the Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics at Penn, which supports research at the intersection of basic and clinical research, focusing on developing new and safer medicines.