Seymour Benzer

Awards

1. 1964

   Canada Gairdner International Award

   Biology

   In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the knowledge of genetics and molecular biology, and in particular for his elucidation of the fine structure of genes, which has made it possible to extend the limits of genetic resolution by relating genetic changes to chemical alterations in deoxyribonucleic acid, thus clarifying the chemical bases of heredity in determining the nature and properties of cells and viruses.

2. 1971

   Lasker Award — Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award

   Biology

   For their brilliant contributions to molecular genetics.

3. 1991

   Wolf Prize — Medicine

   Biology

   for having generated a new field of molecular neurogenetics by his pioneering research on the dissection of the nervous system and behavior by gene mutations.

4. 1993

   Crafoord Prize — Biosciences

   Biology

   for his pioneering genetical and neurophysiological studies on behavioural mutants in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster

5. 2004

   Canada Gairdner International Award

   Biology

   For pioneering discoveries that both founded and greatly advanced an entire field of neurogenetics, thereby transforming our understanding of the brain and its mechanisms.