2016 Lasker Awards honor exceptional work in virology, physiology, and science education
The recipients of the 2016 Lasker Awards were announced by Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation on 13 September. The Lasker Awards are among the most prestigious annual prizes in medicine. This year, the awards honored major discoveries in physiology and virology, and the work of a scientist who has been promoting science education. Also referred to as “America’s Nobels,” the prizes honor the extraordinary contributions of scientists, physicians, and public servants towards the understanding and treatment of diseases with a prize of $250,000. Lasker laureates garner considerable attention from the scientific community and media since many recipients of this award have eventually become Nobel laureates.
The details of this year’s winners are as follows:
The Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award
William G. Kaelin, Peter J. Ratcliffe, Gregg L. Semenza
These three physician-scientists shared this award for furthering the understanding of how organisms respond to variations in oxygen. Precisely, their “discovery of the pathway by which cells from humans and most animals sense and adapt to changes in oxygen availability – a process essential for survival” was honored by the foundation.
The Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award
Ralf F.W. Bartenschlager, Charles M. Rice, Michael J. Sofia
The work of these scientists has helped in developing the first successful treatment for hepatitis C. They shared the award for developing “a system to study the replication of the virus that causes hepatitis C and for use of this system to revolutionize the treatment of this chronic, often lethal disease.”
The Lasker-Koshland Special Achievement Award in Medical Science
Alberts was chosen to receive this award not only for his research in DNA but also for his attempts at reforming science education globally. His “fundamental discoveries in DNA replication and protein biochemistry; for visionary leadership in directing national and international scientific organizations to better people’s lives; and for passionate dedication to improving education in science and mathematics” led to his winning the award.
Congratulations to all the winners!
Published on: Sep 15, 2016
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