Whitehead Institute founding director David Baltimore honored with 2021 Lasker~Koshland Special Achievement Award in Medical Science

The Lasker Foundation has honored Whitehead Institute Founding Director David Baltimore with its 2021 Lasker~Koshland Award For Special Achievement In Medical Science.

The Award citation describes Baltimore as, “One of the premier biomedical scientists of the last five decades, who is renowned for the breadth and beauty of his discoveries in virology, immunology, and cancer.” It explains that in the course of his long and distinguished career, Baltimore “has provided visionary academic leadership at multiple institutions and has mentored trainees who have later become prominent scientists in their fields.” And noting that he has also worked at the interface of policy and biological research, advocating for science and for ethical conduct, it observes that “his statesmanship has influenced numerous areas of public interest.”

Among his most significant accomplishments, Baltimore collaborated with philanthropist Edwin C. “Jack” Whitehead to launch the Whitehead Institute in 1982. It was unique as a university-affiliated but wholly independent research center, and it quickly gained a reputation for pioneering basic biological research. Today, the Institute continues to produce world-class science and to train leaders in biomedical research and education.

The full text of the Foundation’s Award citation and overview of Baltimore’s extraordinary career, plus a video of his acceptance remarks, are available here

The Lasker Foundation’s mission is to improve health by accelerating support for medical research through recognition of research excellence, advocacy, and education. Its awards are among the most prestigious in biomedical science.

 

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