Lasker Foundation

Lasker Foundation. Established in 1942 by advertising pioneer Albert Lasker and his wife, health activist Mary Lasker, the foundation is a private philanthropy dedicated to accelerating the pace of discovery and improving human health. It is best known for administering the prestigious Lasker Awards, often described as "America's Nobels" for their role in forecasting future Nobel Prize winners. Through its awards and advocacy programs, it has profoundly influenced biomedical research policy and celebrated transformative advances in medical science.

History

The foundation was created in the early years of World War II, with its initial mission shaped by Mary Lasker's fervent advocacy for increased government support for medical research. She played a pivotal role in the dramatic expansion of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), lobbying key figures like Senator Lister Hill and Congressman John E. Fogarty. The first Lasker Awards were presented in 1946, immediately establishing a reputation for recognizing groundbreaking work. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, the foundation's advocacy was instrumental in the growth of the NIH budget and the creation of research initiatives such as the War on Cancer, which led to the establishment of the National Cancer Institute as a major research entity. Its history is deeply intertwined with the rise of the modern biomedical research enterprise in the United States.

Lasker Awards

The Lasker Awards are the centerpiece of the foundation's activities, comprising three major annual prizes. The Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award honors fundamental discoveries that open new fields of study, while the Lasker~DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award recognizes work that directly improves patient care. The Lasker~Bloomberg Public Service Award, established in collaboration with philanthropist Michael Bloomberg, honors individuals or organizations whose contributions have profoundly improved the public's health. The awards jury, composed of eminent scientists, conducts a rigorous selection process, and the ceremony is a major event in the scientific calendar, often held in New York City. The predictive power of the awards for the Nobel Prize is a testament to their prestige and selectivity.

Notable recipients

Recipients of the Lasker Awards constitute a who's who of biomedical science. Early honorees included Selman Waksman for discovering streptomycin and Jonas Salk for developing the first polio vaccine. Later awards recognized the foundational work of Michael Brown and Joseph L. Goldstein on cholesterol metabolism, Robert G. Gallo for his role in identifying the AIDS virus, and Harold Varmus for his cancer gene research. More recent laureates include James P. Allison for pioneering cancer immunotherapy, Francis Collins for leadership of the Human Genome Project, and Anthony Fauci for his public service. International organizations like the World Health Organization and Doctors Without Borders have also been honored with the Public Service Award.

Mission and impact

The core mission is to foster innovation and champion the support of science that alleviates human suffering from disease. Beyond the awards, the foundation engages in targeted advocacy and public education to shape health policy, historically focusing on increasing federal funding for agencies like the NIH and the National Science Foundation. Its impact is measured not only by the laureates it celebrates but also by its role in building the political consensus for sustained investment in basic research. The foundation's programs aim to inspire the next generation of scientists and highlight the critical link between fundamental discovery, clinical application, and public health infrastructure, influencing global efforts against challenges like pandemic threats.

Governance and funding

The foundation operates as a private, non-profit organization governed by a board of directors. Its president, Dr. Claire Pomeroy, a noted infectious disease specialist, leads its strategic direction. Funding derives primarily from its endowment, established from the personal wealth of Albert and Mary Lasker, and is supplemented by donations and partnerships. The endowment supports the award stipends, administrative operations, and specific initiative programs. The foundation maintains a lean operational structure, ensuring that the majority of its resources are directed toward its award and advocacy programs rather than overhead, in keeping with its founders' philanthropic vision for maximizing impact on medical science.

Category:Medical research organizations Category:Organizations based in New York City Category:Awards established in 1946