Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation

Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation. Established in 1942 by advertising pioneer Albert Lasker and his wife, health activist Mary Lasker, the foundation is a preeminent force in advancing biomedical research and public health. It is best known for administering the prestigious Lasker Awards, often called "America's Nobels," which honor seminal contributions to medical science. Through its awards, advocacy, and targeted initiatives, the foundation has played a catalytic role in shaping modern medicine and increasing federal support for scientific inquiry.

History

The foundation was created in the midst of World War II, with its mission deeply influenced by Mary Lasker's fervent belief in the power of medical research to alleviate human suffering. Following Albert Lasker's death in 1952, Mary Lasker became the driving force, leveraging her formidable political acumen and social connections in Washington, D.C. She forged powerful alliances with figures like Senator Lister Hill and Congressman John E. Fogarty, leading a relentless campaign to dramatically increase appropriations for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This advocacy, often termed the "Lasker lobby," was instrumental in transforming the NIH from a modest agency into the world's largest source of biomedical research funding. The foundation's early focus on advocacy seamlessly evolved to include the recognition of scientific excellence through its awards program, cementing its dual legacy of funding and honor.

Lasker Awards

The Lasker Awards are the cornerstone of the foundation's work, first presented in 1946. The awards are divided into three primary categories: the Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award, the Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research, and the Lasker~Bloomberg Public Service Award. A special Lasker~Koshland Special Achievement Award in Medical Science is also occasionally given. The juries for these awards comprise eminent scientists and previous laureates, ensuring a rigorous selection process. Often a precursor to the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, the awards have gained an unparalleled reputation for identifying transformative discoveries. The ceremony, typically held in New York City, brings together leaders from academia, industry, and philanthropy, highlighting the interconnectedness of scientific progress.

Governance and funding

The foundation is governed by a board of directors, which has included distinguished scientists and civic leaders. Since 2013, physician-scientist Claire Pomeroy has served as president, guiding its strategic direction. It operates as a private, non-profit organization, funded through an endowment established from the Laskers' personal wealth, notably derived from Albert Lasker's success in advertising with firms like Lord & Thomas. The foundation does not solicit public donations. Its financial resources are dedicated almost exclusively to administering the awards program, which includes substantial prize money for researchers, and supporting specific advocacy initiatives rather than funding laboratory grants directly.

Notable recipients and impact

The roster of Lasker Awards recipients reads as a who's who of modern medical science, and their recognized work has fundamentally changed healthcare. Early laureates like Dr. Sidney Farber, honored for advances in chemotherapy, and the developers of the first polio vaccine, Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin, exemplify its impact. Subsequent awards have heralded breakthroughs such as DNA sequencing (Walter Gilbert and Frederick Sanger), magnetic resonance imaging (Raymond Damadian, Paul Lauterbur, Peter Mansfield), and cancer immunotherapy (James P. Allison and Tasuku Honjo). The foundation's recognition has frequently accelerated the adoption of new therapies and diagnostic tools, validating research directions and attracting further investment from institutions like the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and major pharmaceutical companies.

Public advocacy and initiatives

Beyond the awards, the foundation maintains Mary Lasker's legacy as a formidable advocate. It has consistently campaigned for robust, sustained funding for the National Institutes of Health and other federal science agencies. The foundation also engages in public education, disseminating information about major health challenges and the importance of basic research. Through targeted initiatives, it has focused attention on specific issues, such as increasing diversity in the scientific workforce and supporting research into global health threats. This advocacy work ensures the foundation's influence extends from the laboratory bench to the halls of the United States Congress, continually championing the cause of medical research for the public good.

Category:Medical research organizations Category:Health charities based in the United States Category:Awards established in 1946 Category:Organizations based in Manhattan Category:1942 establishments in the United States