5 Oct 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Reston, VA — Last Saturday evening, Parabon NanoLabs accepted an award from the Foundation for Improvement of Justice, a private not-for-profit institution founded in 1984 for the purpose of improving local, state, and federal systems of justice within the United States. Each year, the Foundation accepts nominations for the Paul H. Chapman Award, which recognizes and rewards individuals or organizations whose innovative programs and work have made improvements in the various systems of justice. Since 1986, the Foundation has distributed over $2,720,000 in cash awards. This year, Parabon is being recognized for "significant innovations for analyzing DNA," including genetic genealogy, DNA phenotyping, and kinship analysis. Although the traditional award banquet in Atlanta could not be held in person, a virtual award ceremony was held to honor this year's recipients. Learn More About Snapshot DNA Analysis »
In receiving the Chapman award for the innovative Snapshot technology, Parabon joins 8 other eminent awardees in the areas of child protection, legal reform, and victims' rights. "I am thrilled to see Parabon receive this award alongside such an incredible group of awardees," said Dr. Mark Wilson, Parabon's Director of Forensic Science. "I don't think people realize that Parabon's forensics team started with only three people, and even now there are only about a dozen people handling everything from DNA screening to genealogy analysis, even providing support for prosecutors! We have worked tirelessly for over 10 years to get to this point, and our team is extraordinarily grateful to the Foundation for this well-deserved recognition." See All Published Police Investigations »
The award comes with a $10,000 prize, which Parabon has pledged to donate in its entirety to their JusticeDrive Crime-Solving Network, which raises funds for agencies in need of advanced DNA analyses. JusticeDrive gives members of the public a direct way to help solve cases in their neighborhood or around the country. Successful fundraising campaigns have funded cold case analyses in multiple states. "We are incredibly honored to be selected for the 2021 Chapman award," said Dr. Ellen Greytak, Parabon's Director of Bioinformatics and Snapshot Technical Leader, who accepted the award on Parabon's behalf. "We are thrilled to be able to put this award directly toward the improvement of justice by using it to support agencies that do not have advanced DNA analysis covered in their operating budget. With these funds, we anticipate JusticeDrive being able to cover the laboratory work costs for about half a dozen cases!" Visit JusticeDrive.org »
This is not the first time Parabon's DNA innovations have been recognized. In 2017, the company received the Tibbetts award from the Small Business Administration, which recognizes small businesses that "exemplify the very best in Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) achievement." Parabon's Snapshot technology has also been featured in numerous television shows, including 60 Minutes, Dateline, 20/20, 48 Hours, and the docuseries The Genetic Detective. Read More Snapshot Success Stories »
About Parabon NanoLabs, Inc.
Parabon NanoLabs is a vertically integrated DNA technology company that develops next-generation forensic and therapeutic products by leveraging the enormous power of DNA. Staffed by a uniquely qualified team of scientists and technologists whose expertise ranges from bioinformatics and immunology to chemistry and computer science, Parabon is bringing to market revolutionary new products and services made possible by recent advances in DNA sequencing, analysis, and manufacturing technologies.
Media Contact
Parabon NanoLabs
Paula Armentrout
P: 703.689.9689 x250
media@parabon.com
