AAMI Foundation Introduces Scholarship Fund for Packaging Engineering

The AAMI Foundation has launched the **Michael Scholla Packaging Engineering Scholarship Fund**, aimed at supporting students dedicated to careers in packaging engineering, particularly within the medical device and pharmaceutical sectors. This initiative invites contributions from individuals and organizations in the packaging and life sciences communities to enhance opportunities for aspiring healthcare packaging professionals.

In its first year, the scholarship will award **$3,000** to a qualified student who demonstrates a commitment to packaging engineering. The application deadline is set for **February 15, 2026**. The chosen recipient will also receive the opportunity to attend the upcoming AAMI neXus conference in April. Should they accept, the Foundation will cover the registration fee and accommodation, facilitating valuable connections with mentors and industry leaders.

Ralph J. Basile of the AAMI Foundation emphasized the significance of healthcare packaging, stating, “Healthcare packaging is mission-critical; it protects patients, preserves product integrity, and supports safe use in clinical settings.” He further noted that contributions to the **Michael Scholla Scholarship Fund** represent an investment in emerging talent committed to advancing the field of medical device and pharmaceutical packaging.

As the Fund develops, the AAMI Foundation envisions increasing the number of scholarships awarded. The success of the **Miller HTM Scholarship** program, which began with a modest number of recipients in **2009** and grew to **20 scholarships** awarded in **2025**, serves as a precedent for the future of this new initiative.

Michael “Mike” H. Scholla, PhD, is the namesake of the scholarship fund. A respected figure in sterile medical packaging, Scholla has made significant contributions as an Emeritus Medical Packaging Fellow at **DuPont Medical Packaging** and as a leader within AAMI and the broader medical device community. His legacy includes advancing the field and mentoring future professionals.

To support the **Michael Scholla Packaging Engineering Scholarship Fund**, the AAMI Foundation encourages both corporate contributions and individual donations. Interested parties can donate online. For inquiries regarding invoicing, recognition opportunities, or other fund details, individuals can contact the AAMI Foundation at [email protected]. Media inquiries should be directed to the AAMI media team at [email protected].

This initiative marks a pivotal step in fostering the next generation of experts in healthcare packaging, reinforcing the importance of education and professional development in this vital field.