ARI Orthopaedics 2026 - Cartilage & Disc
22nd - 24th June 2026, Congress Center, Davos, Switzerland

Berton Rahn Award Winner 2026

The AO Foundation, through the AO Research Institute Davos (ARI), annually honors the efforts made by investigators of AO Foundation funded research projects. For this purpose, the AO Foundation established an annual Berton Rahn AO Research Award.

It is with great pleasure that we announce the 2026 Berton Rahn Award winner, Dr. Dino Samartzis ARI Orthopaedic Conferences - Berton Rahn Award a globally recognized leader in spine research and musculoskeletal health, currently serving as a tenured Professor at Rush University Medical Center and Founder/Director of the International Spine Research and Innovation Institute.

With an extensive academic background from institutions including Northwestern, Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge, and the University of Hong Kong, Dr. Samartzis has driven landmark studies that bridge basic science and clinical care, notably pioneering the world’s longest musculoskeletal follow-up of atomic-bomb survivors and introducing transformative technologies such as magnetically controlled growing rods for children with scoliosis. His research, which spans genetics, epidemiology, and novel therapeutics, has led to the discovery of over 500 genes related to osteoarthritis and reshaped international radiation safety policies..

A prolific scholar, Dr. Samartzis has published over 450 peer-reviewed studies and received more than 80 international awards, including multiple ISSLS Prizes and recognition as one of the Top 2% of Scientists Worldwide. He has chaired major conferences, mentored hundreds of emerging clinicians and scientists, and held key leadership roles in organizations like AO Spine and the Orthopaedic Research Society. His work has influenced both academic and clinical practice globally, earning him a reputation as an innovator in precision medicine and integrative spine research, and he will soon serve as Co-Editor-in-Chief of the European Spine Journal.

More information on Dr. Dino Samartzis can be found HERE
More information on the Berton Rahn Award can be found in the Award Booklet.