ALZA Science Scholars

Founded in 1968 by the visionary Dr. Alejandro Zaffaroni, the ALZA Corporation emerged as a pioneering force in the biotech industry, leaving an indelible mark on both pharmaceutical innovation and community engagement. Headquartered in Palo Alto, the company, whose name derives from the initials of its founder, expanded its footprint with a new headquarters in Mountain View in 1995, now a part of the iconic Google HQ buildings. Dr. Zaffaroni, a key figure in the valley's biotech scene, defied traditional pharmaceutical norms by steering away from new molecule discovery. Instead, he invented drug delivery systems, enhancing the efficacy of existing medications by precisely administering them in optimal doses and locations. This groundbreaking approach resulted in the development of the first transdermal patches, ocular films for glaucoma therapy, and continuous delivery minipills and pumps targeting specific areas in the gut, among others. Dr. Zaffaroni's leadership attracted esteemed researchers worldwide, with the company's scientific advisory board boasting four Nobel laureates. The ALZA Corporation's commitment extended beyond scientific innovation, as evidenced by its philanthropic efforts, including the establishment of the ALZA Corporation Scholarship at Santa Clara University and contributions to the Mountain View Whisman School District's hands-on science program, "Science at Shoreline." In 2002, the company was acquired by Johnson & Johnson. Today, the impact of ALZA resonates through the more than sixty former employees who have gone on to establish their own biopharma enterprises.

ALZA Corporation Science Scholars Research Awards have been issued annually since 2001, and each ALZA Science Scholar receives $15,000 to be used over a two-year period. This award provides research awards to undergraduate students majoring in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Neuroscience, Public Health, Physics, Psychobiology, and Bioengineering who have career interests in biology, chemistry, the pharmaceutical industry, or medicine. Applicants must also be in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0.