Named for the benefactors of Ohio University's Russ College of Engineering and Technology and the founders of Dayton, Ohio-based Systems Research Laboratories, the Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ Prize was presented for the first time in 2001. Awarded biennially, the Russ Prize recognizes outstanding achievement in an engineering advancement that has widespread use and contributes to improving quality of life.

In its initial years, the Russ Prize will set the standard for recognizing the achievements of engineers in bioengineering. The prize consists of a gold medallion and a $500,000 cash award endowed by the Russes through Ohio University. This year's Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ Prize is awarded to a distinguished professor of surgery and medicine whose commitment to bioengineering resulted in groundbreaking work on artificial organs.

Dr. Willem J. Kolff, distinguished professor of surgery and medicine, emeritus, University of Utah, is considered the "father" of the field of artificial organs, which has led to the modern era of "substitutive medicine."

Hemodialysis is the most common method used to treat advanced and permanent kidney failure. In hemodialysis, blood is allowed to flow, a few ounces at a time, through a machine with a special filter that removes wastes and extra fluids. The clean blood is then returned to the body. Removing harmful wastes and extra salt and fluids helps control blood pressure and keep the proper balance of chemicals like potassium and sodium in the body.