Two longtime GSA members have been honored with the Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award. Stephen J. Elledge and Evelyn M. Witkin were recognized for “discoveries concerning the DNA-damage response—a fundamental mechanism that protects the genomes of all living organisms.” Lasker Awards are considered to be among the most prestigious in biomedical research.
Stephen J. Elledge and Evelyn M. Witkin, recipients of the 2015 Albert Lasker Medical Research Award. (Image courtesy Lasker Foundation)
Stephen J. Elledge, PhD
HHMI Investigator
Gregor Mendel Professor of Genetics and of Medicine
Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Woman’s Hospital2005 recipient, GSA Medal
Member, GSA Nominating Committee, 2008, 2015
Evelyn M. Witkin, PhD
Professor Emerita
Waksman Institute of Microbiology
Rutgers University2000 Recipient, GSA’s Thomas Hunt Morgan Medal
Watch the 2003 Conversations in Genetics interview with Dr. Witkin
Since 1945, the Lasker Awards have recognized the contributions of scientists, physicians, and public servants who have made major advances in the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, cure, and prevention of human disease. Lasker Awards often presage future recognition by the Nobel committee, so they have become popularly known as “America’s Nobels.” Eighty-six Lasker laureates have received the Nobel Prize, including 44 in the last three decades.
The Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award honors scientists whose fundamental investigations have provided techniques, information, or concepts contributing to the elimination of major causes of disability and death.
Both Elledge and Witkin have previously been honored with GSA awards. Congratulations!
Additional Information:
- Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award, 2015.
- Hanae Armitage, “Lasker prizes recognize Ebola response, DNA damage, and cancer research,” Science Insider, September 8, 2015.
- David Cameron, “Geneticist Stephen J. Elledge receives Lasker Award,” Harvard Gazette, September 8, 2015.
- Robin Lally, “Rutgers Professor Emerita Recognized for Contribution to Field of DNA Repair,” Rutgers Today, September 8, 2015.
Adam Fagen was formerly Executive Director of the Genetics Society of America.
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