PDA Industry and Honor Award Winners
Class of 2024
Honorary Membership*
PDA's most prestigious award, conferring lifetime membership benefits to the recipient. The award is given in recognition of very long service, of a very significant nature, to PDA.
Masahiro Akimoto
I was surprised and incredibly honored to receive this award. Words cannot fully express my gratitude for this recognition. Receiving this award reminds me of the importance of learning, collaborating and communicating on pharmaceutical science facilitated by PDA. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the PDA Board of Directors and staff, SAB, RAQAB and JPDA members and the companies that have provided me with much support. Encouragement from those I have worked with in the past and present has been a constant source of my motivation to improve my skills and knowledge.
I have also realized how crucial it is to communicate within the industry and PDA to
share knowledge and keep improving my expertise. I look forward to opportunities with other members to share information and ideas to solve quality assurance-related issues, and
help contribute to the knowledge development of younger members.
In his approximately 30 years in the field, Masahiro has been involved with CMC development, strategic quality planning for CTM production, technical transfer managements of sterile products, preparation of the quality sections of the marketing authorization dossier and quality assurance.
He earned his master’s degree in pharmaceutical science (physical chemistry) from the graduate school of the Pharmaceutical Institute, Tohoku University in 1987. He has been a registered pharmacist and an ASQ certified quality engineer.
Masahiro served two terms 2015-2020 as a board of director of PDA Global, and was also a member of PDA’s SAB (2014-2019) and the Aseptic Processing Points to Consider Task Force to (2016).
- Frederick Carleton Award
Frederick Carleton Award*
This award is designated for a past Board member whose services on the Board are determined by his/her peers as worthy of high recognition. It is presented as a tribute to lifetime contributor Fred Carleton.
Masahiro Akimoto
I was surprised and incredibly honored to receive this award. Words cannot fully express my gratitude for this recognition. Receiving this award reminds me of the importance of learning, collaborating and communicating on pharmaceutical science facilitated by PDA. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the PDA Board of Directors and staff, SAB, RAQAB and JPDA members and the companies that have provided me with much support. Encouragement from those I have worked with in the past and present has been a constant source of my motivation to improve my skills and knowledge.
I have also realized how crucial it is to communicate within the industry and PDA to
share knowledge and keep improving my expertise. I look forward to opportunities with other members to share information and ideas to solve quality assurance-related issues, and
help contribute to the knowledge development of younger members.
In his approximately 30 years in the field, Masahiro has been involved with CMC development, strategic quality planning for CTM production, technical transfer managements of sterile products, preparation of the quality sections of the marketing authorization dossier and quality assurance.
He earned his master’s degree in pharmaceutical science (physical chemistry) from the graduate school of the Pharmaceutical Institute, Tohoku University in 1987. He has been a registered pharmacist and an ASQ certified quality engineer.
Masahiro served two terms 2015-2020 as a board of director of PDA Global, and was also a member of PDA’s SAB (2014-2019) and the Aseptic Processing Points to Consider Task Force to (2016).
- Frederick Carleton Award
Your rating for this document has already been submitted
Gordon Personeus Award*
This Award is intended to honor a PDA member for his or her long-term activities and/or volunteer contributions that are of noteworthy or special importance and have positively impacted PDA in several areas over time. It is presented in memory of the late Gordon Personeus, past PDA President and long-time volunteer.
Masahiro Akimoto
I was surprised and incredibly honored to receive this award. Words cannot fully express my gratitude for this recognition. Receiving this award reminds me of the importance of learning, collaborating and communicating on pharmaceutical science facilitated by PDA. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the PDA Board of Directors and staff, SAB, RAQAB and JPDA members and the companies that have provided me with much support. Encouragement from those I have worked with in the past and present has been a constant source of my motivation to improve my skills and knowledge.
I have also realized how crucial it is to communicate within the industry and PDA to
share knowledge and keep improving my expertise. I look forward to opportunities with other members to share information and ideas to solve quality assurance-related issues, and
help contribute to the knowledge development of younger members.
In his approximately 30 years in the field, Masahiro has been involved with CMC development, strategic quality planning for CTM production, technical transfer managements of sterile products, preparation of the quality sections of the marketing authorization dossier and quality assurance.
He earned his master’s degree in pharmaceutical science (physical chemistry) from the graduate school of the Pharmaceutical Institute, Tohoku University in 1987. He has been a registered pharmacist and an ASQ certified quality engineer.
Masahiro served two terms 2015-2020 as a board of director of PDA Global, and was also a member of PDA’s SAB (2014-2019) and the Aseptic Processing Points to Consider Task Force to (2016).
- Frederick Carleton Award
Your rating for this document has already been submitted
Michael Korczynski Award*
This Award is presented to recognize contributions to PDA’s international activities. It is named for Michael S. Korczynski in recognition of the contributions he made toward the development of PDA’s international activities.
Masahiro Akimoto
I was surprised and incredibly honored to receive this award. Words cannot fully express my gratitude for this recognition. Receiving this award reminds me of the importance of learning, collaborating and communicating on pharmaceutical science facilitated by PDA. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the PDA Board of Directors and staff, SAB, RAQAB and JPDA members and the companies that have provided me with much support. Encouragement from those I have worked with in the past and present has been a constant source of my motivation to improve my skills and knowledge.
I have also realized how crucial it is to communicate within the industry and PDA to
share knowledge and keep improving my expertise. I look forward to opportunities with other members to share information and ideas to solve quality assurance-related issues, and
help contribute to the knowledge development of younger members.
In his approximately 30 years in the field, Masahiro has been involved with CMC development, strategic quality planning for CTM production, technical transfer managements of sterile products, preparation of the quality sections of the marketing authorization dossier and quality assurance.
He earned his master’s degree in pharmaceutical science (physical chemistry) from the graduate school of the Pharmaceutical Institute, Tohoku University in 1987. He has been a registered pharmacist and an ASQ certified quality engineer.
Masahiro served two terms 2015-2020 as a board of director of PDA Global, and was also a member of PDA’s SAB (2014-2019) and the Aseptic Processing Points to Consider Task Force to (2016).
- Frederick Carleton Award
Your rating for this document has already been submitted
James P. Agalloco Award
This award is presented annually to the PDA TRI faculty member who exemplifies outstanding performance in education. The selection is based on student and faculty evaluations. It is named for James P. Agalloco in honor of his work in developing the PDA education program.
Masahiro Akimoto
I was surprised and incredibly honored to receive this award. Words cannot fully express my gratitude for this recognition. Receiving this award reminds me of the importance of learning, collaborating and communicating on pharmaceutical science facilitated by PDA. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the PDA Board of Directors and staff, SAB, RAQAB and JPDA members and the companies that have provided me with much support. Encouragement from those I have worked with in the past and present has been a constant source of my motivation to improve my skills and knowledge.
I have also realized how crucial it is to communicate within the industry and PDA to
share knowledge and keep improving my expertise. I look forward to opportunities with other members to share information and ideas to solve quality assurance-related issues, and
help contribute to the knowledge development of younger members.
In his approximately 30 years in the field, Masahiro has been involved with CMC development, strategic quality planning for CTM production, technical transfer managements of sterile products, preparation of the quality sections of the marketing authorization dossier and quality assurance.
He earned his master’s degree in pharmaceutical science (physical chemistry) from the graduate school of the Pharmaceutical Institute, Tohoku University in 1987. He has been a registered pharmacist and an ASQ certified quality engineer.
Masahiro served two terms 2015-2020 as a board of director of PDA Global, and was also a member of PDA’s SAB (2014-2019) and the Aseptic Processing Points to Consider Task Force to (2016).
- Frederick Carleton Award
Your rating for this document has already been submitted
Martin VanTrieste Pharmaceutical Science Award*
This award recognizes a volunteer’s outstanding contributions that have advanced the pharmaceutical sciences. It is presented in honor of past Board Member and long-time contributor Martin VanTrieste.
Masahiro Akimoto
I was surprised and incredibly honored to receive this award. Words cannot fully express my gratitude for this recognition. Receiving this award reminds me of the importance of learning, collaborating and communicating on pharmaceutical science facilitated by PDA. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the PDA Board of Directors and staff, SAB, RAQAB and JPDA members and the companies that have provided me with much support. Encouragement from those I have worked with in the past and present has been a constant source of my motivation to improve my skills and knowledge.
I have also realized how crucial it is to communicate within the industry and PDA to
share knowledge and keep improving my expertise. I look forward to opportunities with other members to share information and ideas to solve quality assurance-related issues, and
help contribute to the knowledge development of younger members.
In his approximately 30 years in the field, Masahiro has been involved with CMC development, strategic quality planning for CTM production, technical transfer managements of sterile products, preparation of the quality sections of the marketing authorization dossier and quality assurance.
He earned his master’s degree in pharmaceutical science (physical chemistry) from the graduate school of the Pharmaceutical Institute, Tohoku University in 1987. He has been a registered pharmacist and an ASQ certified quality engineer.
Masahiro served two terms 2015-2020 as a board of director of PDA Global, and was also a member of PDA’s SAB (2014-2019) and the Aseptic Processing Points to Consider Task Force to (2016).
- Frederick Carleton Award
Your rating for this document has already been submitted
Edward Smith PDA Packaging Science Award*
This award was created to recognize outstanding contributions to Pharmaceutical Packaging Science. It is presented in honor of Edward Smith and his long-term contributions to pharmaceutical packaging science.
Masahiro Akimoto
I was surprised and incredibly honored to receive this award. Words cannot fully express my gratitude for this recognition. Receiving this award reminds me of the importance of learning, collaborating and communicating on pharmaceutical science facilitated by PDA. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the PDA Board of Directors and staff, SAB, RAQAB and JPDA members and the companies that have provided me with much support. Encouragement from those I have worked with in the past and present has been a constant source of my motivation to improve my skills and knowledge.
I have also realized how crucial it is to communicate within the industry and PDA to
share knowledge and keep improving my expertise. I look forward to opportunities with other members to share information and ideas to solve quality assurance-related issues, and
help contribute to the knowledge development of younger members.
In his approximately 30 years in the field, Masahiro has been involved with CMC development, strategic quality planning for CTM production, technical transfer managements of sterile products, preparation of the quality sections of the marketing authorization dossier and quality assurance.
He earned his master’s degree in pharmaceutical science (physical chemistry) from the graduate school of the Pharmaceutical Institute, Tohoku University in 1987. He has been a registered pharmacist and an ASQ certified quality engineer.
Masahiro served two terms 2015-2020 as a board of director of PDA Global, and was also a member of PDA’s SAB (2014-2019) and the Aseptic Processing Points to Consider Task Force to (2016).
- Frederick Carleton Award
Your rating for this document has already been submitted
Distinguished Service Award*
Four to six awards are typically given in recognition of volunteers' special acts, contributions, or service over the last year that have contributed to the success and strength of PDA. Examples of the types of activities that are recognized include service as members and leaders of PDA Program Planning committees, Task Forces, Interest Groups, and Chapters.
Masahiro Akimoto
I was surprised and incredibly honored to receive this award. Words cannot fully express my gratitude for this recognition. Receiving this award reminds me of the importance of learning, collaborating and communicating on pharmaceutical science facilitated by PDA. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the PDA Board of Directors and staff, SAB, RAQAB and JPDA members and the companies that have provided me with much support. Encouragement from those I have worked with in the past and present has been a constant source of my motivation to improve my skills and knowledge.
I have also realized how crucial it is to communicate within the industry and PDA to
share knowledge and keep improving my expertise. I look forward to opportunities with other members to share information and ideas to solve quality assurance-related issues, and
help contribute to the knowledge development of younger members.
In his approximately 30 years in the field, Masahiro has been involved with CMC development, strategic quality planning for CTM production, technical transfer managements of sterile products, preparation of the quality sections of the marketing authorization dossier and quality assurance.
He earned his master’s degree in pharmaceutical science (physical chemistry) from the graduate school of the Pharmaceutical Institute, Tohoku University in 1987. He has been a registered pharmacist and an ASQ certified quality engineer.
Masahiro served two terms 2015-2020 as a board of director of PDA Global, and was also a member of PDA’s SAB (2014-2019) and the Aseptic Processing Points to Consider Task Force to (2016).
- Frederick Carleton Award
Your rating for this document has already been submitted
Frederick Simon Award
This award is presented annually for the best paper published in the PDA Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology (JPST). It is named in honor of the late Frederick D. Simon, a previous PDA Director of Scientific Affairs.
Masahiro Akimoto
I was surprised and incredibly honored to receive this award. Words cannot fully express my gratitude for this recognition. Receiving this award reminds me of the importance of learning, collaborating and communicating on pharmaceutical science facilitated by PDA. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the PDA Board of Directors and staff, SAB, RAQAB and JPDA members and the companies that have provided me with much support. Encouragement from those I have worked with in the past and present has been a constant source of my motivation to improve my skills and knowledge.
I have also realized how crucial it is to communicate within the industry and PDA to
share knowledge and keep improving my expertise. I look forward to opportunities with other members to share information and ideas to solve quality assurance-related issues, and
help contribute to the knowledge development of younger members.
In his approximately 30 years in the field, Masahiro has been involved with CMC development, strategic quality planning for CTM production, technical transfer managements of sterile products, preparation of the quality sections of the marketing authorization dossier and quality assurance.
He earned his master’s degree in pharmaceutical science (physical chemistry) from the graduate school of the Pharmaceutical Institute, Tohoku University in 1987. He has been a registered pharmacist and an ASQ certified quality engineer.
Masahiro served two terms 2015-2020 as a board of director of PDA Global, and was also a member of PDA’s SAB (2014-2019) and the Aseptic Processing Points to Consider Task Force to (2016).
- Frederick Carleton Award
Your rating for this document has already been submitted
PDA Letter Article of the Year Award
This reward recognizes an article written by a PDA member during the preceding year that proved popular with PDA’s audience. In addition, the Managing Editor and the Editorial Committee agrees that the article represents quality work deserving of special recognition.
Masahiro Akimoto
I was surprised and incredibly honored to receive this award. Words cannot fully express my gratitude for this recognition. Receiving this award reminds me of the importance of learning, collaborating and communicating on pharmaceutical science facilitated by PDA. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the PDA Board of Directors and staff, SAB, RAQAB and JPDA members and the companies that have provided me with much support. Encouragement from those I have worked with in the past and present has been a constant source of my motivation to improve my skills and knowledge.
I have also realized how crucial it is to communicate within the industry and PDA to
share knowledge and keep improving my expertise. I look forward to opportunities with other members to share information and ideas to solve quality assurance-related issues, and
help contribute to the knowledge development of younger members.
In his approximately 30 years in the field, Masahiro has been involved with CMC development, strategic quality planning for CTM production, technical transfer managements of sterile products, preparation of the quality sections of the marketing authorization dossier and quality assurance.
He earned his master’s degree in pharmaceutical science (physical chemistry) from the graduate school of the Pharmaceutical Institute, Tohoku University in 1987. He has been a registered pharmacist and an ASQ certified quality engineer.
Masahiro served two terms 2015-2020 as a board of director of PDA Global, and was also a member of PDA’s SAB (2014-2019) and the Aseptic Processing Points to Consider Task Force to (2016).
- Frederick Carleton Award
Your rating for this document has already been submitted
PDA Asia Pacific Appreciation Award
This award is given in recognition of special volunteer acts contributing to the success and strength of PDA in the Asia Pacific region.
Masahiro Akimoto
I was surprised and incredibly honored to receive this award. Words cannot fully express my gratitude for this recognition. Receiving this award reminds me of the importance of learning, collaborating and communicating on pharmaceutical science facilitated by PDA. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the PDA Board of Directors and staff, SAB, RAQAB and JPDA members and the companies that have provided me with much support. Encouragement from those I have worked with in the past and present has been a constant source of my motivation to improve my skills and knowledge.
I have also realized how crucial it is to communicate within the industry and PDA to
share knowledge and keep improving my expertise. I look forward to opportunities with other members to share information and ideas to solve quality assurance-related issues, and
help contribute to the knowledge development of younger members.
In his approximately 30 years in the field, Masahiro has been involved with CMC development, strategic quality planning for CTM production, technical transfer managements of sterile products, preparation of the quality sections of the marketing authorization dossier and quality assurance.
He earned his master’s degree in pharmaceutical science (physical chemistry) from the graduate school of the Pharmaceutical Institute, Tohoku University in 1987. He has been a registered pharmacist and an ASQ certified quality engineer.
Masahiro served two terms 2015-2020 as a board of director of PDA Global, and was also a member of PDA’s SAB (2014-2019) and the Aseptic Processing Points to Consider Task Force to (2016).
- Frederick Carleton Award
Your rating for this document has already been submitted
PDA Europe Appreciation Award
This award is given in recognition of special volunteer acts contributing to the success and strength of PDA in Europe.
Masahiro Akimoto
I was surprised and incredibly honored to receive this award. Words cannot fully express my gratitude for this recognition. Receiving this award reminds me of the importance of learning, collaborating and communicating on pharmaceutical science facilitated by PDA. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the PDA Board of Directors and staff, SAB, RAQAB and JPDA members and the companies that have provided me with much support. Encouragement from those I have worked with in the past and present has been a constant source of my motivation to improve my skills and knowledge.
I have also realized how crucial it is to communicate within the industry and PDA to
share knowledge and keep improving my expertise. I look forward to opportunities with other members to share information and ideas to solve quality assurance-related issues, and
help contribute to the knowledge development of younger members.
In his approximately 30 years in the field, Masahiro has been involved with CMC development, strategic quality planning for CTM production, technical transfer managements of sterile products, preparation of the quality sections of the marketing authorization dossier and quality assurance.
He earned his master’s degree in pharmaceutical science (physical chemistry) from the graduate school of the Pharmaceutical Institute, Tohoku University in 1987. He has been a registered pharmacist and an ASQ certified quality engineer.
Masahiro served two terms 2015-2020 as a board of director of PDA Global, and was also a member of PDA’s SAB (2014-2019) and the Aseptic Processing Points to Consider Task Force to (2016).
- Frederick Carleton Award
Your rating for this document has already been submitted
PDA Chapter of the Year Award
This award recognizes the outstanding PDA chapter of the year.
Outstanding Early Career Professional Award
This award is given in recognition of special volunteer acts contributing to the success and strength of PDA by an Early Career Professional
Masahiro Akimoto
I was surprised and incredibly honored to receive this award. Words cannot fully express my gratitude for this recognition. Receiving this award reminds me of the importance of learning, collaborating and communicating on pharmaceutical science facilitated by PDA. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the PDA Board of Directors and staff, SAB, RAQAB and JPDA members and the companies that have provided me with much support. Encouragement from those I have worked with in the past and present has been a constant source of my motivation to improve my skills and knowledge.
I have also realized how crucial it is to communicate within the industry and PDA to
share knowledge and keep improving my expertise. I look forward to opportunities with other members to share information and ideas to solve quality assurance-related issues, and
help contribute to the knowledge development of younger members.
In his approximately 30 years in the field, Masahiro has been involved with CMC development, strategic quality planning for CTM production, technical transfer managements of sterile products, preparation of the quality sections of the marketing authorization dossier and quality assurance.
He earned his master’s degree in pharmaceutical science (physical chemistry) from the graduate school of the Pharmaceutical Institute, Tohoku University in 1987. He has been a registered pharmacist and an ASQ certified quality engineer.
Masahiro served two terms 2015-2020 as a board of director of PDA Global, and was also a member of PDA’s SAB (2014-2019) and the Aseptic Processing Points to Consider Task Force to (2016).
- Frederick Carleton Award
Your rating for this document has already been submitted
Service Appreciation Award
This award is given in recognition of activities performed on behalf of PDA and is awarded at the end of service of specific volunteer leadership positions, including:
- The Board of Directors
- Advisory Board Chairs (intended to be given after stepping down as immediate past chair but can be given earlier when service is cut short)
- Interest Group Leaders
- Chapter Presidents
Masahiro Akimoto
I was surprised and incredibly honored to receive this award. Words cannot fully express my gratitude for this recognition. Receiving this award reminds me of the importance of learning, collaborating and communicating on pharmaceutical science facilitated by PDA. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the PDA Board of Directors and staff, SAB, RAQAB and JPDA members and the companies that have provided me with much support. Encouragement from those I have worked with in the past and present has been a constant source of my motivation to improve my skills and knowledge.
I have also realized how crucial it is to communicate within the industry and PDA to
share knowledge and keep improving my expertise. I look forward to opportunities with other members to share information and ideas to solve quality assurance-related issues, and
help contribute to the knowledge development of younger members.
In his approximately 30 years in the field, Masahiro has been involved with CMC development, strategic quality planning for CTM production, technical transfer managements of sterile products, preparation of the quality sections of the marketing authorization dossier and quality assurance.
He earned his master’s degree in pharmaceutical science (physical chemistry) from the graduate school of the Pharmaceutical Institute, Tohoku University in 1987. He has been a registered pharmacist and an ASQ certified quality engineer.
Masahiro served two terms 2015-2020 as a board of director of PDA Global, and was also a member of PDA’s SAB (2014-2019) and the Aseptic Processing Points to Consider Task Force to (2016).
- Frederick Carleton Award
Your rating for this document has already been submitted
PDA President’s Award
This Award recognizes a PDA staff member, typically excluding Senior Staff members, whose exemplary performance has contributed to PDA’s success during the previous year.
Masahiro Akimoto
I was surprised and incredibly honored to receive this award. Words cannot fully express my gratitude for this recognition. Receiving this award reminds me of the importance of learning, collaborating and communicating on pharmaceutical science facilitated by PDA. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the PDA Board of Directors and staff, SAB, RAQAB and JPDA members and the companies that have provided me with much support. Encouragement from those I have worked with in the past and present has been a constant source of my motivation to improve my skills and knowledge.
I have also realized how crucial it is to communicate within the industry and PDA to
share knowledge and keep improving my expertise. I look forward to opportunities with other members to share information and ideas to solve quality assurance-related issues, and
help contribute to the knowledge development of younger members.
In his approximately 30 years in the field, Masahiro has been involved with CMC development, strategic quality planning for CTM production, technical transfer managements of sterile products, preparation of the quality sections of the marketing authorization dossier and quality assurance.
He earned his master’s degree in pharmaceutical science (physical chemistry) from the graduate school of the Pharmaceutical Institute, Tohoku University in 1987. He has been a registered pharmacist and an ASQ certified quality engineer.
Masahiro served two terms 2015-2020 as a board of director of PDA Global, and was also a member of PDA’s SAB (2014-2019) and the Aseptic Processing Points to Consider Task Force to (2016).
- Frederick Carleton Award
Your rating for this document has already been submitted

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