Infection Preventionists Honor Elaine Larson, PhD, with First Ever Distinguished Scientist Award

Columbia School of Nursing Associate Dean of Research Cited for Contributions to Science of Infection Control 

(New York, NY, June 7, 2013) – Elaine Larson, PhD, RN, FAAN, CIC, Associate Dean for Research and Anna C. Maxwell professor of Nursing Research at Columbia University School of Nursing, will be named the first recipient of the Distinguished Scientist Award by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).

The award, which will be presented for the first time at APIC’s 40th Annual Conference June 8-10 in Fort Lauderdale, will be given annually to an infection preventionist (IP) who has made a significant and sustained contribution to infection prevention science and who exemplifies scholarly excellence and IP leadership within the scientific community.

“We are pleased to recognize Dr. Larson with this honor as she is one of our strongest mentors in helping others cement science into practice,” said APIC 2013 President Patti Grant, RN, BSN, MS, CIC.  “Her dedication, contributions, and leadership in the science of infection prevention have helped to validate and enrich the practice nationally and internationally, as well as move APIC’s mission forward.”

Larson has published more than 200 journal articles, four books, and a number of book chapters on infection prevention, epidemiology, and clinical research and consults in infection control and nursing both nationally and internationally. She has served as editor of the American Journal of Infection Control, APIC’s official scientific journal, since 1994. 

Dr. Larson’s research in hand hygiene and compliance among other topics have been put her at the forefront of implementation science movement to promote better health and healthcare.