Dr. Roberto Alva of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health is Named a 2023 Golden Helix Award Winner

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The Center for Global Health Innovation (formerly known as Georgia Bio, the state’s life science trade association) recognizes the industry leader’s contributions to the life sciences community

DULUTH, Ga. (March 30, 2023) – Roberto Alva, DVM, MS, Ph.D., formerly of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, received a Golden Helix Award for his significant community contributions at the Fox Theatre on Wednesday, March 29. This award was presented to a small number of individuals, companies or institutions whose contributions to Georgia's life sciences community are worthy of special recognition by The Center for Global Health Innovation's (CGHI) Office of Life Sciences and Digital Health – formerly known as Georgia Bio, the state's life science trade association.

Dr. Roberto Alva, now retired, was acknowledged for his contributions as a founder of the Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars Program (BIVSP) which was established more than 30 years ago to introduce veterinary medical students to biomedical research in real-world settings such as academic labs across the country. BIVSP allows Boehringer Ingelheim and veterinary colleges to maintain a unique close relationship for mutual benefit. Through the years, Roberto continued to broaden this prestigious program with expansion to universities across the US, Canada, France, the Netherlands and Germany. Roberto also continued to foster a strong collaboration with the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, and his community outreach within Athens and the State of Georgia.

“We believe putting our customers at the heart of everything we do is imperative, which is why we’re dedicated to protecting and advancing the veterinary profession,” said Cindy Edge, Senior USA Global Innovation Business Manager of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health and Chair of Georgia Bio Management Board.  “We are proud of Dr. Alva’s contributions and will continue his work to support the next generation of veterinary professionals.”

About Boehringer Ingelheim

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health is working on first-in-class innovation for the prediction, prevention, and treatment of diseases in animals. For veterinarians, pet owners, farmers, and governments in more than 150 countries, we offer a large and innovative portfolio of products and services to improve the health and well-being of companion animals and livestock. As a global leader in the animal health industry and as part of family-owned Boehringer Ingelheim, we take a long-term perspective. The lives of animals and humans are interconnected in deep and complex ways. We know that when animals are healthy, humans are healthier too. By using the synergies between our Animal Health and Human Pharma businesses and by delivering value through innovation, we enhance the health and well-being of both.

Learn more about Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc. at bi-animalhealth.com  

About the Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars Program

The Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars Program was established more than 30 years ago to introduce veterinary medical students to biomedical research in real-world settings such as academic labs across the country, the NIH and starting this year at USDA. Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars are assigned a mentor and laboratory. Each scholar conducts a hypothesis-driven research project. The research project is typically conducted over a 10-12-week period during the summer, with students presenting their work at the annual National Veterinary Scholars Symposium at the conclusion. More than 5,000 students have received stipends from Boehringer Ingelheim to conduct research since the program started. More information is available at http://veterinaryscholars.boehringer-ingelheim.com/.

About The Golden Helix Awards

The Golden Helix Awards celebrate the contributions and achievements of Georgia legislative, academic, corporate, and advocacy leaders working to advance the life sciences industry's growth and foster strategic partnerships that can create a healthier world. The event expects to draw 200 of the state's life sciences industry leaders. 

About The Center for Global Health

The Center for Global Health Innovation (CGHI) is a 501(c)(3) organization, launched in January 2020, that brings together diverse Global Health, Health Technology, and Life Sciences entities to collaborate, innovate, and activate solutions to enhance health outcomes around the world. Georgia Bio is now known as the CGHI Office of Life Sciences & Digital Health. Visit CGHI at cghi.org. 

Media Contact:

Chrissy Jones

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health

U.S. Communications

(516) 527-5456

christine.jones@boehringer-ingelheim.com