Lasker Award 2000: Winners

Recipients

1. Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award

   Aaron Ciechanover, Alexander Varshavsky, Avram Hershko

   Biology

   For the discovery and recognition of the broad significance of the ubiquitin system of regulated protein degradation, a fundamental process that influences vital cellular events, including the cell cycle, malignant transformation, and responses to inflammation and immunity.

2. Lasker–DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award

   Harvey J. Alter, Michael Houghton

   Biology

   For the discovery of the virus that causes hepatitis C and the development of screening methods that reduced the risk of blood transfusion-associated hepatitis in the U.S. from 30% in 1970 to virtually zero in 2000.

3. Lasker–Koshland Special Achievement Award in Medical Science

   Sydney Brenner

   Biology

   For 50 years of brilliant creativity in biomedical science — exemplified by his legendary work on the genetic code; his daring introduction of the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans as a system for tracing the birth and death of every cell in a living animal; his rational voice in the debate on recombinant DNA; and his trenchant wit.