Chen Zhijian, a distinguished scientist born in China, has been awarded the 2024 Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research for his groundbreaking discovery of the enzyme cGAS, which plays a critical role in the immune response to pathogens. This recognition positions him as the sixth scientist of Chinese origin to receive this prestigious award, and notably, he is the second recipient in the basic research category since 1962 [4cd09426].
Born in Fujian province, Chen graduated from Fujian Normal University in 1985 before earning his PhD from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1991. He established his laboratory at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in 1997 and was elected to the US National Academy of Sciences in 2014, underscoring his significant contributions to the field [4cd09426].
The Lasker Awards, which have been presented since 1945, are often regarded as precursors to the Nobel Prize, highlighting the importance of Chen's achievement in the broader context of medical research [4cd09426]. The awards ceremony is set to take place in New York on September 22, 2024, where Chen will be honored for his contributions to understanding immune responses, which have implications for cancer and infectious diseases [4cd09426].
In related news, Michael Meaney, a Professor Emeritus at McGill University, was recently elected as a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Meaney is recognized for his pioneering work in behavioral epigenetics, particularly in how maternal care influences gene expression and brain development in offspring. He is among the newly elected 250 members, including 25 International Honorary Members, reflecting his significant impact in the field of neuroscience [05ffbab0].
This dual recognition of Chen and Meaney highlights the ongoing contributions of scientists to medical and psychological research, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives and backgrounds in advancing our understanding of health and disease [05ffbab0].