AAAS Newcomb Cleveland Prize
2008 Award Recipients
Supported by Affymetrix
Anoop Kumar, James W. Godwin, Phillip B. Gates, A. Acely Garza-Garcia, and Jeremy P. Brockes for the research article “Molecular Basis for the Nerve Dependence of Limb Regeneration in an Adult Vertebrate,” published in Science 2 November 2007, pp. 772-777.
The Association’s oldest award, the AAAS Newcomb Cleveland Prize, supported by Affymetrix, was established in 1923 with funds donated by Newcomb Cleveland of New York City. The Prize acknowledges an outstanding paper published in the Articles, Research Articles, or Reports sections ofScience. Each recipient receives a bronze medal and a share of the $25,000 prize.
Tissue regeneration is an intriguing area of science with enormous potential for impact on human health and disease. Prior to this paper, relatively little was known about its molecular mechanisms. The newt limb provides an important model for understanding tissue regeneration in all vertebrates. The paper by Kumaret al. represents a breakthrough because it uncovers a crucial protein that is shown to provide the critical molecular signal required for limb regeneration. The new understandings provided in this paper have the potential to significantly accelerate progress in regenerative medicine.
Honorable Mentions
Two papers were selected to receive Honorable Mentions:
Martin Loose, Elisabeth Fischer-Friedrich, Jonas Ries, Karsten Kruse, and Petra Schwille for the report “Spatial Regulators for Bacterial Cell Division Self-Organize into Surface Waves in Vitro,” published in Science on 9 May 2008, pp. 789-792.
and
Ivan Vilotijevic and Timothy F. Jamison for the research article “Epoxide-Opening Cascades Promoted by Water,” published in Science on 31 August 2007, pp. 1189-1192.
These two groups of authors received a special certificate acknowledging their accomplishment.
Affymetrix Inc. added its support to the AAAS Newcomb Cleveland Prize in 2003, helping to more than double the prize’s monetary value. Affymetrix Founder and Executive Chairman, Stephen P.A. Fodor, Ph.D., and his colleagues were awarded the Newcomb Cleveland Prize in 1991 for their landmark publication that first introduced microarray technology to the scientific community. (Light-directed, spatially addressable parallel chemical synthesis, with co-authors J. Read, M.C. Pirrung, L. Stryer, A. Lu, and D. Solas, Science 15 February 1991.)
“Receiving the Newcomb Cleveland Award in 1991 was the first important public acknowledgment of our invention,” said Fodor. “Today, the award remains one of our most valued. Affymetrix is thrilled to support its continued legacy. It is important to recognize and encourage the innovative work of new scientists as their work will become the foundation for future research and discovery.”
Affymetrix is a pioneer in creating breakthrough tools that are driving the genomic revolution. By applying the principles of semiconductor technology to the life sciences, Affymetrix develops and commercializes systems that enable scientists to improve quality of life. The company’s customers include pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agrichemical, diagnostics, and consumer products companies as well as academic, government, and non-profit research institutes. Affymetrix offers an expanding portfolio of integrated products and services to address growing markets focused on understanding the relationship between genes and human health. Affymetrix has about 1,000 employees worldwide.
Please click here for a list of past recipients.