When Jochen Salfeld arrived in Worcester, AbbVie’s campus hadn’t even broken ground yet. What followed was decades of scientific leadership, a $70-million campus expansion, and for Jochen, a pivotal role in developing Humira, one of the world’s most prescribed and transformative medicines. Humira has brought relief to millions of patients living with autoimmune conditions across the globe – and it was developed right here in Worcester.  Humira was the first approved fully human monoclonal antibody drug and ushered in a new era of medicine.  

As Jochen prepares to retire on June 29, we are proud to honor him with the 2026 Dr. Abraham W. Haddad Award.  The Haddad award is given to individuals who embody what we call “the collaborative gene.” It recognizes individuals who build, connect, and lift an entire ecosystem, not just an organization. Jochen has that gene in abundance.

Under his leadership as site head at AbbVie Worcester, he helped transform a small startup team into one of the region’s largest biotechnology employers. His work opened new frontiers in antibody discovery, helping to establish Worcester as a serious player in the life sciences.

The Haddad Award exists to recognize exactly this kind of legacy: someone whose impact extends far beyond their own organization and whose commitment to collaboration has made the whole community stronger.

Congratulations, Jochen. Worcester is better because you were here and the world is healthier because of your work.