Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR) Congratulates Dr. Rudolf Jaenisch and Dr. Douglas Melton

CAMR extends its congratulations to two distinguished leaders and innovators in the field of embryonic stem cell research, who were honored with prestigious awards and appointments this week.

Dr. Rudolf Jaenisch of the  Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and Massachusetts Institute of Technology  was one of seven eminent researchers named by President Obama as recipients of the National Medal of Science.  He will receive his medal in a White House ceremony later this year.  According to the White House announcement, Jaenisch received this high honor "f or improving our understanding of epigenetic regulation of gene expression: the biological mechanisms that affect how genetic information is variably expressed. His work has led to major advances in our understanding of mammalian cloning and embryonic stem cells."

Also this week, CAMR member Harvard University announced the appointment of Dr. Douglas Melton as University Professor.   At Harvard, University Professorships were established 80 years ago to award special recognition to individuals of distinction who are working on the frontiers of knowledge in ways that cross traditional boundaries of academic discipline.   Melton is a leading scientist and advocate in the field of stem cell research, and has been since both his son and daughter were diagnosed with Type I (juvenile) diabetes.  As co-director of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Melton has been a leading voice in support of embryonic stem cell research and the importance of federal funding and oversight of this important work, and has been an active CAMR advocate for many years.

On behalf of the 100 million Americans who suffer from debilitating diseases and disorders for which stem cell research provides such great promise, CAMR applauds both Dr. Jaenisch's and Dr. Melton's achievements, and is grateful for the work they do.  They are pioneering leaders, and serve as role models to young scientists just entering the field.  This high-level recognition of their work further illustrates the importance of embryonic stem cell research and the role it plays in discovering and developing better treatments and cures.

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