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Português do Brasil Awards & Abstract Submission Deadlines Updated
Please note the following deadline updates:- Awards Deadline: August 15, 2026
- Oral Presentation Abstracts: Deadline extended to August 31, 2026
- Poster Presentation Abstracts: Deadline extended to September 15, 2026
George M. Baer Latin American Researcher Award (1936-2009)
The George M. Baer Latin American Researcher Award recognizes outstanding work in the field of rabies by researchers from Latin American countries.
Dr. George M. Baer (1936-2009) was a renowned virologist, veterinarian, and public health scientist and a founding member of the Conference on Rabies in the Americas. Born in London and raised in New York, he received a degree in veterinary medicine from Cornell University in 1959 and a master’s degree in public health from the University of Michigan in 1961. Baer served at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention throughout his career, with a special focus on psittacosis, brucellosis, and rabies. He worked at the Southwest Rabies Research Laboratory and was a consultant to the Pan American Health Organization in Mexico, helping to establish national rabies programs.
As director of the CDC’s Rabies Laboratory, he led the team that developed oral vaccination for wildlife and is recognized as the “Father of Oral Rabies Vaccination.” Baer published over 100 scientific papers, including his landmark book “The Natural History of Rabies.” After retiring, he founded a diagnostic laboratory in Mexico and remained active in the Conference on Rabies in the Americas.
The International Steering Committee named this award in honor of his contributions, highlighting his dedication to research and the advancement of public health in Latin America.
In 2026, the award winner will be recognized for his/her achievement and will have the opportunity to present his/her work at a special session of the RITA Conference.
Ivanete Kotait Latin American student / young researcher Award
The Ivanete Kotait Award is given to a Latin American student or young researcher for outstanding work in rabies research. It is named in honor of Dr. Ivanete Kotait, one of the first members representing Brazil on the International Steering Committee of the Rabies in the Americas (RITA) organization.
Dr. Ivanete Kotait was a prominent researcher who dedicated herself intensely to advances and improvements in rabies diagnosis, research, and control, always with great affection for developing regions. As a graduate of Veterinary Medicine, she began her professional career at the Biological Institute of São Paulo and, later, at the Pasteur Institute of São Paulo. During her tenure, she contributed to the improvement of the Institute’s activities, which achieved recognition by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) as a Collaborating Center for Rabies, in addition to becoming a National Reference Laboratory for Rabies in Brazil. She was key in laying the foundations for agricultural and public health programs against rabies in Brazil, a commitment she maintained throughout her professional career.
Her multiple contributions focused on relevant training and technology transfer to Latin America. Throughout her professional life, she encouraged students and young researchers regarding the study and importance of rabies in the context of public health and the economy. Recognizing her impact, the RITA International Steering Committee established this annual award in her honor, intended for the best work carried out by a Latin American student or young researcher.
In 2026, the award winner will be recognized for his/her achievement and will have the opportunity to present his/her work at a special session of the RITA Conference.
For additional award information, please follow the links to associated documents in Spanish, Portuguese, and English.