WASHINGTON — The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) and Radicle Science have announced the 2025 Annette Dickinson Trailblazer Award launch, a new honor celebrating transformative leaders in the dietary supplement and functional food industry. Nominations will be accepted from May 1 through May 30 through CRN’s platform via www.crnusa.org/trailblazer.
The award pays tribute to the late Annette Dickinson, Ph.D., a pioneering figure in the development of the responsible dietary supplement industry. Dickinson served as the first staff member of CRN in 1973, later becoming its president from 2002 to 2005. She remained a key voice in evidence-based nutrition policy until her passing.
“The Trailblazer Award is an opportunity to honor the kind of bold leadership and impact that Annette Dickinson exemplified throughout her career,” said CRN President & CEO Steve Mister. “We look forward to celebrating the inspiring contributions of innovative leaders who are shaping the future of our industry.”
“Trailblazers don’t wait for change—they ignite it. The Annette Dickinson Trailblazer Award honors industry disruptors who are transforming health and wellness through fearless action and visionary thinking,” said Pelin Thorogood, cofounder and executive chair of Radicle Science. “As a mission-driven public benefit corporation, Radicle Science is proud to celebrate those who push boundaries and inspire expansion of what’s possible.”
The award builds on last year’s inaugural recognition of trailblazer Yasmeen Nkrumah-Elie, Ph.D., of ChromaDex, Inc., and now carries the name of Dickinson to honor her legacy more fully.
Any CRN voting member company employee is eligible for nomination. A panel of judges will select five finalists based on criteria including:
- Leadership: Redefining influence through action, impact, and mentorship; spearheading initiatives that significantly enhance the landscape to develop others in executive, scientific, and leadership roles.
- Innovation: Catalyzing change through bold product, scientific, or strategic breakthroughs that address real consumer needs; shifting paradigms and moving the industry forward through disruptive ideas and bold execution.
- Advocacy: Advancing policies and mindsets that support innovation, public health, and industry accountability; igniting momentum, inspire action, and spark ripple effects that extend far beyond their own organizations.
Finalists will be announced in July, with a CRN member community vote to determine the winner. The recipient will be officially recognized at CRN’s CONVERGENCE ‘25 event, taking place Oct. 8–10 in St. Louis.
To access more information on the CRN and Radicle Science Annette Dickinson Trailblazer Award and sign up to receive a reminder when the nomination platform opens, visit www.crnusa.org/trailblazer.
