ARI Orthopaedics 2025 Biofabrication
16th - 19th June 2025, Congress Center, Davos, Switzerland

Berton Rahn Award Winner 2025

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 pride and yet unfortunately with a heavy heart that we announce the 2025 Berton Rahn Award winner is Prof. Marcel Dvorak from the University of British Columbia, USA.
Soon after being notified of his award, Prof Dvorak sadly passed away.
The award presentation will be made by Dr. Charlotte Dandurand MD, MSc, FRCSC on his behalf.

It is with profound sorrow we share the passing of Dr Marcel Dvorak, an internationally renowned spine surgeon, pioneering medical researcher, visionary leader, and cherished educator who died peacefully at home with his beloved family on May 9, 2025.
Dr Dvorak was a towering figure in the field of spine surgery locally, nationally and on the international stage. He directly helped thousands of patients with his surgical expertise, influenced many more as an educator and mentor to his trainees, and the lives of millions through ground-breaking research and visionary thinking.
As the head of the VGH Spine Program and proud member of the UBC Department of Orthopaedic Surgery he initiated and lead the creation of the VGH Blusson Spinal Cord Center, an innovative and integrated hub that brought together state of the art patient care and world class research under one roof. Nationally, he educated thousands and established a multicenter research network and registry to advance spinal cord injury research. Internationally his greatest impact unfolded as member and leader in AO Spine and other professional societies; Dr Dvorak lead global key opinion leaders in spine trauma, spearheading research and education that fulfilled his lifes mission to improve patient care around the world.
More information on Prof Dvorak can be found HERE
More information on the Berton Rahn Award can be found in the Award Booklet.