Roberto Alva, DVM, MS, Ph.D., formerly of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, received a Golden Helix Award for his significant community contributions at the Fox Theatre on Wednesday, March 29. This award was presented to a small number of individuals, companies or institutions whose contributions to Georgia's life sciences community are worthy of special recognition by The Center for Global Health Innovation's (CGHI) Office of Life Sciences and Digital Health – formerly known as Georgia Bio, the state's life science trade association.

Dr. Roberto Alva, now retired, was acknowledged for his contributions as a founder of the Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars Program (BIVSP) which was established more than 30 years ago to introduce veterinary medical students to biomedical research in real-world settings such as academic labs across the country. BIVSP allows Boehringer Ingelheim and veterinary colleges to maintain a unique close relationship for mutual benefit. Through the years, Roberto continued to broaden this prestigious program with expansion to universities across the US, Canada, France, the Netherlands and Germany. Roberto also continued to foster a strong collaboration with the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, and his community outreach within Athens and the State of Georgia.

“We believe putting our customers at the heart of everything we do is imperative, which is why we’re dedicated to protecting and advancing the veterinary profession,” said Cindy Edge, Senior USA Global Innovation Business Manager of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health and Chair of Georgia Bio Management Board.  “We are proud of Dr. Alva’s contributions and will continue his work to support the next generation of veterinary professionals.”