Friends of the National Library of Medicine to Honor Dr. Robert J. Beall with 2026
Paul G. Rogers Award for Public Service
Washington, DC – The Friends of the National Library of Medicine (FNLM) is honored to announce that Robert J. Beall, PhD, former President and CEO of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Paul G. Rogers Award for Public Service. This prestigious award recognizes Dr. Beall’s transformative leadership in reshaping the trajectory of cystic fibrosis care and research, and his enduring contributions to advancing biomedical innovation in service to patients nationwide.
During his 35-year tenure with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation — including 21 years as President and CEO — Dr. Beall led one of the most significant public health success stories of the modern era. Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. Under Dr. Beall’s leadership, the Foundation pioneered a groundbreaking venture philanthropy model that accelerated the development of therapies targeting the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis. This approach reshaped how nonprofit organizations work with industry, government, and researchers to translate scientific discovery into lifesaving treatments. His work has influenced national research strategy, rare disease funding models, and public-private collaboration across the biomedical ecosystem.
Due to the CF Foundation’s support for better treatments and care, more than 60% of people with CF are now adults, and half of children born between 2020 and 2024 are predicted to live to age 65 or older. Today, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is focused on developing more transformative treatments so that every person with CF can live long, fulfilling lives.
“Dr. Beall’s vision fundamentally changed what was possible for people living with cystic fibrosis,” said Dr. Andrew Balas, FNLM President. “His leadership not only extended lives but demonstrated how strategic investment in science and collaboration can transform public health. He embodies the spirit of the Paul G. Rogers Award for Public Service.”
The Paul G. Rogers Award honors individuals whose leadership advances the public good through science, health policy, and service. Dr. Beall’s career reflects a deep commitment to ensuring that research innovation translates into measurable improvements in patients’ lives — a principle central to both the legacy of Congressman Rogers and the mission of the National Library of Medicine.
FNLM will formally present this honor to Dr. Beall at the 2026 Friends of the NLM Awards Gala, to be held on September 16, 2026, at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington, DC. The gala convenes leaders from medicine, research, public health, government, and philanthropy to celebrate exceptional contributions to medical science, public service, and access to trusted health information.
For more information about the Friends of the NLM and the 2026 Awards Gala, please visit www.fnlm.org.
About the Friends of the National Library of Medicine
Established in 1986, the Friends of the National Library of Medicine is a coalition devoted to increasing public awareness and use of the National Library of Medicine (NLM). As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, the Friends also calls attention to the NLM’s many programs in research, education, and public service.
Media Contact:
Sharon Watts
Director of Communications and Operations
Friends of the National Library of Medicine
Sharon_Watts@fnlm.org
202.213.7919
For Media Use, a headshot of Dr. Robert Beall is available upon request.
