Bruce Alberts
Bruce Alberts, one of the founders of Rescuing Biomedical Research, was awarded the 2016 Lasker-Koshland Special Achievement Award in Medical Science. This prestigious award is given every two years, and Alberts earned the award due to 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.” Alberts wrote about receiving the award and his passion for improving science education for Cell and The Journal of The American Medical Association.
“[Dan Koshland] was such a remarkable leader in the sciences, and someone who I had the fortune of working with.” said Alberts. “It is a great honor to receive this award and to be associated with Dan.”
Alberts’ career has spanned decades and a variety of positions. While currently the Chancellor’s Leadership Chair in Biochemistry and Biophysics for Science and Education at the University of California, San Francisco, Alberts was named one of the first three United States Science Envoys (2009-2011), was formerly the editor-in-chief of Science magazine (2009-2013) and served two terms as the president of the National Academy of Sciences (1993-2005).
Other outlets have gone into greater detail regarding Alberts’ tremendous and lasting contributions to the sciences. Peter Walter and Keith Yamamoto wrote a wonderful tribute to Bruce and his work in Cell, and The New York Times wrote a story about all of the 2016 Lasker Award winners.
Please join us in congratulating Bruce on winning this award!