Lasker Award

Lasker Award. The Lasker Awards are among the most prestigious honors in medical research, often considered a precursor to the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Established by the Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation, they recognize scientists, physicians, and public servants who have made major advances in the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, cure, and prevention of human disease. The awards have celebrated foundational discoveries in areas from genetics to immunology, significantly shaping the landscape of modern biomedical science.

History

The awards were created in 1946 by Albert Lasker, a pioneering advertising executive, and his wife Mary Lasker, a renowned health activist and philanthropist. Their mission was to accelerate the pace of medical discovery and improve public health by providing recognition and support to leading researchers. The Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation was established to administer the prizes, with Mary Lasker playing an instrumental role in their direction for decades, advocating powerfully for increased funding for the National Institutes of Health. Over the years, the awards have evolved, with categories being added and refined to reflect the changing frontiers of medical science, consistently maintaining a reputation for identifying and honoring transformative work.

Award categories

The awards are presented in several distinct categories. The **Lasker~DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award** recognizes major advances that improve patient care and clinical outcomes, such as the development of new therapies or surgical techniques. The **Lasker~Basic Medical Research Award** honors fundamental discoveries that open new fields of study and provide deep insight into biological processes. The **Lasker~Bloomberg Public Service Award** celebrates individuals or organizations whose contributions have profoundly improved the public's health, often through policy, advocacy, or humanitarian service. A special **Lasker~Koshland Special Achievement Award in Medical Science** is occasionally given for extraordinary lifetime achievement and mentorship.

Notable recipients

The roster of laureates includes a veritable who's who of medical science, many of whom later received the Nobel Prize. Pioneers like Michael Brown and Joseph L. Goldstein were honored for their work on cholesterol metabolism, while James P. Allison and Tasuku Honjo were recognized for discoveries in cancer immunotherapy. Virologist Jonas Salk received the award for developing the polio vaccine, and geneticist Francis Collins was honored for his leadership of the Human Genome Project. Other distinguished figures include Robert G. Gallo, Anthony S. Fauci, and Barry J. Marshall, whose work on Helicobacter pylori revolutionized the understanding of peptic ulcers.

Selection process

A jury of distinguished scientists and medical experts, appointed by the Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation, conducts the selection. The process involves a global call for nominations, followed by rigorous review and evaluation of candidates' scientific contributions, impact on medicine, and originality. The jury deliberates confidentially, with final approval from the foundation's board. This meticulous and highly selective process, modeled in part on the procedures of the Nobel Committee, ensures that only the most consequential and verifiable achievements are recognized, safeguarding the awards' unparalleled prestige.

Impact and significance

Often dubbed "America's Nobels," the awards carry immense significance within the global scientific community. They provide not only prestigious recognition but also a substantial financial prize, amplifying the visibility of critical research and inspiring future generations. The history of the awards is deeply intertwined with major advancements, from the development of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to breakthroughs in cardiovascular disease treatment. By highlighting transformative science and dedicated public service, the awards continue to champion the cause of medical progress and underscore the vital role of research institutions like the Massachusetts General Hospital and Stanford University in improving human health.

Category:Medical awards Category:American science and technology awards Category:Awards established in 1946