Applications Open for Inaugural Orthobiologics Research Award

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) is now accepting applications for the inaugural Arnold I. Caplan Award for Distinguished Research in Orthobiologics, an accolade aimed at recognizing significant contributions to advancing biologics solutions for musculoskeletal injuries or pathologies. The award is named in honor of Arnold Caplan, Ph.D., a pioneer in orthobiologics and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), who died in January at age 82.
 
The award criteria and application can be viewed here.
 
“Dr. Caplan was often called the ‘godfather of MSCs’—a critical thinker and scientist who spent decades exploring ways to translate stem cell biology to the clinic,” AAOS Committee on Devices, Biologics and Technology Chair Jason L. Dragoo, M.D., said. “It is a pleasure to work with the Caplan family to honor his unwavering dedication to scientific advancement. This award will recognize those who embody Dr. Caplan’s spirit of innovation and excellence, and we are confident it will continue to fuel the future of orthobiologics.”
 
The Caplan Award was created through the Caplan family with funding overseen by the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation. All applications will be reviewed for scientific merit by the AAOS Committee on Devices, Biologics and Technology. The first Caplan Award recipient will be recognized at the AAOS 2025 Annual Meeting in San Diego and will receive a desktop award plus a cash prize of $10,000.
 
“The Caplan family is incredibly pleased to honor Arnold’s scientific legacy by bestowing this award on behalf of someone who has spent a lifetime advancing the field and recognizing the next generation of scientific explorers,” said Bonita Caplan, Arnold’s wife of 58 years.

Caplan was the first to discover and describe mesenchymal stem cells, which became the basis for the success of virtually all regenerative therapies. Additionally, he published more than 400 studies relating to regenerative medicine and was one of the most highly regarded scientists in the field. Caplan became a Case Western Reserve assistant professor of biology in 1969, and rose through the ranks to become a professor in 1981. 

A pivotal moment in his career came when he isolated human MSCs from adult bone marrow, establishing the conceptual and technical foundation for subsequent global studies. In 1992, he founded Osiris Therapeutics Inc., commercializing the technology, which later led to numerous clinical trials worldwide.

With more than 39,000 members, AAOS is the world’s largest medical association of musculoskeletal specialists. The organization advances musculoskeletal health by providing comprehensive education to help orthopedic surgeons and allied health professionals best treat patients in their daily practices. The AAOS is the source for information on bone and joint conditions, treatments and related musculoskeletal healthcare issues; and it leads the healthcare discussion on advancing quality.
 
The Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit that strives to improve clinical care and patient outcomes by advancing innovative research, developing new investigators, and uniting the orthopedic community in promoting musculoskeletal health. The Foundation raises funds to support research on diseases and injuries of bones, nerves, muscles, and tendons and to enhance clinical care.