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–Bloomberg Public Service Award

   Betty Ford

   Biology

   For using her leadership and prestige to bring about lasting progress in research, medicine, and health aimed at alcohol and drug addiction.

3. Lasker–Bloomberg Public Service Award

   David J. Mahoney

   Biology

   For visionary leadership in educating the public and the donor community about the importance of brain research, and for directing funds for the support of neuroscience.

4. Lasker–Bloomberg Public Service Award

   Harold P. Freeman

   Biology

   For enlightening scientists and the public about the relationship between race, poverty, and cancer.

5. Lasker–Bloomberg Public Service Award

   John Edward Porter

   Biology

   For wise and perceptive leadership on behalf of medical research funding and a deep commitment to strengthening the science enterprise.

6. Lasker–Bloomberg Public Service Award

   Science Times of The New York Times

   Biology

   For sustained, comprehensive, and high-quality coverage about science, disease, and human health.

7. 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.

8. 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.