For Immediate Release
March 2, 2023
Jennifer Doudna, PhD, Professor of Molecular and Cell Biology and Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, will be honored with the Friends of the National Library of Medicine’s (FNLM) DISTINGUISHED MEDICAL SCIENCE AWARD at their 2023 Awards Gala.
The Friends of the NLM Awards Gala will be held Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington, DC. Registration is open to all.
“With this award we are delighted to honor Dr. Doudna’s stellar achievements over a long and distinguished career in biochemistry and genetics, including the development of a method for genome editing,” said the Friends of the NLM’s Vice President, Dr. Andrew Balas. “Dr Doudna has made landmark discoveries in genome editing and inspires many biomedical researchers and clinicians around the world.”
Jennifer Doudna is a Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, and a Professor of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology. Her research focuses on RNA as it forms a variety of complex globular structures, some of which function like enzymes or form functional complexes with proteins. Her lab’s research into RNA biology led to the discovery of CRISPR-Cas9 as a tool for making targeted changes to the genome. In bacteria, CRISPR systems preserve invading genetic material and incorporate it into surveillance complexes to achieve adaptive immunity. Crystal structures of diverse Cas9 proteins reveal RNA-mediated conformational activation. Current research in the Doudna lab focuses on discovering and determining the mechanisms of novel CRISPR-Cas and associated proteins; developing genome editing tools for use in vitro, in plants, and in mammals; and developing anti-CRISPR agents. New discoveries in this field continue at a rapid pace, revealing a technology that has widespread applications in many areas of biology.
2023 FNLM Awards
The Friends of the NLM’s Annual Awards recognize scientific and medical leaders who have made significant contributions to health care, biomedical science, librarianship, and public health. These life changing awardees are our contemporaries and the Friends of the NLM has the honor of thanking them. Past recipients include Nobel Laureates, leading scientists who opened new fields of breakthrough discoveries, and developers of innovative technologies. In addition, outstanding health science librarians, leaders of public office, and those who have demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing medical and health science communication are among past and this year’s recipients.
For sponsorship opportunities and a full list of past and 2023 awardees, please click here: Registration is open to all.
Contact Ann Hill, FNLM Operations Manager at 301-318-9368 or annhill@fnlm.org with press inquiries.
About The Friends of the National Library of Medicine
The Friends of the National Library of Medicine supports and promotes the world’s largest medical library, the National Library of Medicine (NLM), a vital part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the nation’s premier medical research agency.
