Lasker Award for Lasker–Koshland Special Achievement Award in Medical Science: Winners by Year

Award years

• 2025

  • Lucy Shapiro

    For a 55-year career in biomedical science—honored for discovering how bacteria coordinate their genetic logic in time and space to generate distinct daughter cells; for founding Stanford’s distinguished Department of Developmental Biology; and for exemplary leadership at the national level

• 2023

  • Piet Borst

    For an exceptional 50-year career of scientific discovery, mentorship, and leadership

• 2021

  • David Baltimore

    As one of the premier biomedical scientists of the last five decades, he is renowned for the breadth and beauty of his discoveries in virology, immunology, and cancer; for his academic leadership; for his mentorship of prominent scientists; and for his influence as a public advocate for science

• 2018

  • Joan A. Steitz

    For four decades of leadership in biomedical science—exemplified by pioneering discoveries in RNA biology, generous mentorship of budding scientists, and vigorous and passionate support of women in science.

• 2016

  • Bruce M. Alberts

    For fundamental discoveries in DNA replication and protein biochemistry; for visionary leadership in directing national and international scientific organizations to better people’s lives; and for passionate dedication to improving education in science and mathematics.

• 2014

  • Mary-Claire King

    For bold, imaginative, and diverse contributions to medical science and human rights — she discovered the BRCA1 gene locus that causes hereditary breast cancer and deployed DNA strategies that reunite missing persons or their remains with their families.

• 2012

  • Donald D. Brown, Tom Maniatis

    For exceptional leadership and citizenship in biomedical science—exemplified by fundamental discoveries concerning the nature of genes; by selfless commitment to young scientists; and by disseminating revolutionary technologies to the scientific community.

• 2010

  • David Weatherall

    For 50 years of international statesmanship in biomedical science — exemplified by discoveries concerning genetic diseases of the blood and for leadership in improving clinical care for thousands of children with thalassemia throughout the developing world.

• 2008

  • Stanley Falkow

    For a 51-year career as one of the great microbe hunters of all time — he discovered the molecular nature of antibiotic resistance, revolutionized the way we think about how pathogens cause disease, and mentored more than 100 students, many of whom are now distinguished leaders in the fields of microbiology and infectious diseases.

• 2006

  • Joseph G. Gall

    For a distinguished 57-year career — as a founder of modern cell biology and the field of chromosome structure and function; bold experimentalist; inventor of in situ hybridization; and early champion of women in science.

• 2004

  • Matthew Meselson

    For a lifetime career that combines penetrating discovery in molecular biology with creative leadership in public policy aimed at eliminating chemical and biological weapons.

• 2002

  • James E. Darnell

    For an exceptional career in biomedical science during which he opened two fields in biology —RNA processing and cytokine signaling — and fostered the development of many creative scientists.

• 2000

  • Sydney Brenner

    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.

• 1999

  • Seymour S. Kety

    For a lifetime of contributions to neuroscience— including discovery of a method for measuring cerebral blood flow that led to current brain imaging techniques, adoptive studies in schizophrenia that established its genetic origin, and visionary leadership in mental health that ushered psychiatry into the molecular era.

• 1998

  • Daniel E. Koshland Jr.

    For a lifetime career devoted to elevating science to its highest level — exemplified by accomplishments on diverse fronts — as a visionary biochemist, tireless institution builder, and eloquent public communicator.

• 1997

  • Victor A. McKusick

    For a lifetime career as founder of the discipline of clinical genetics.

• 1996

  • Paul Zamecnik

    For brilliant and original science that revolutionized biochemistry and spawned new avenues of scientific inquiry.

• 1994

  • Maclyn McCarty

    For seminal and historic investigation which revealed that DNA is the chemical substance of heredity and for ushering in a new era of contemporary genetics.