News Release

Michael R. Kilbourn receives SNM's 2009 Aebersold Award

University of Michigan professor honored for advancing radiotracer and radiopharmaceutical development

Grant and Award Announcement

Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

TORONTO—Michael R. Kilbourn, a professor of radiology at the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, Mich., has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2009 Paul C. Aebersold Award. Kilbourn was presented the award by SNM—the world's largest international society for molecular imaging and nuclear medicine professionals—during its 56th Annual Meeting, June 13󈝽, in Toronto. The Paul C. Aebersold Award recognizes outstanding achievement in basic science applied to nuclear medicine.

"Dr. Kilbourn joins a small group of distinguished, highly qualified researchers who have received the Aebersold Award," said Alexander J.B. McEwan, chair of SNM's Awards Committee. "Dr. Kilbourn's contributions to molecular imaging and nuclear medicine have greatly advanced research efforts in a range of areas, making him a clear choice to receive the award."

Kilbourn received the award, named for Paul C. Aebersold—a pioneer in the biologic and medical application of radioactive materials and the first director of the Atomic Energy Commission's Division of Isotope Development—at the plenary session of SNM's Annual Meeting. SNM's Awards Committee selects recipients. The first Aebersold Award was given by SNM in 1973.

"This award recognizes Dr. Kilbourn's outstanding accomplishments in advancing the basic science of radiochemistry and radiopharmaceutical development," added McEwan. "Because of Dr. Kilbourn's research, our profession and our patients can benefit from a whole range of new positron emission tomography (PET) radiopharmaceuticals for imaging biochemical and neurochemical processes."

Kilbourn's many accomplishments include the development of numerous radiotracers now in routine use, including agents used to image steroid receptors, numerous enzymes and transporters for neurotransmitters such as dopamine and acetylcholine. He developed a new class of radiotracers by moving beyond commonly targeted membrane receptors to intracellular components in radiotracer design. He also developed automation of radiopharmaceutical production. His longstanding interest in the radionuclide flourine-18 and comprehensive review of its radiochemistry contributed to its successful incorporation for many useful radiopharmaceuticals.

"It is a great honor to be selected for this award," said Kilbourn. "It's exciting to be recognized by my colleagues for my work and gratifying to know that other researchers can build upon these efforts and continue to advance nuclear medicine and molecular imaging."

In addition to his contributions to research, Kilbourn also has demonstrated a commitment to educating the next generation of radiochemists. Many graduates of his research program at the University of Michigan have become distinguished scientists in their own right and now direct PET programs or research groups at other institutions.

Kilbourn, who has been a professor at the University of Michigan since 1987, primarily conducts research on radiochemical synthesis using short-lived positron-emitting radionuclides. In addition, he works on: the design, synthesis and evaluation in animals of new PET radiopharmaceuticals for imaging of biochemical and neurochemical processes; the use of in vivo radiotracer techniques for the study of pharmacological and pathophysiological alterations of tissue biochemistry; and automation in PET radiopharmaceutical chemistry, including robotics.

Kilbourn received a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Illinois, Urbana, followed by postdoctoral training in radiochemistry at Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York. Prior to joining the faculty of the University of Michigan, Kilbourn held academic appointments at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. He has authored or co-authored more than 200 journal articles and book chapters, has written a book and serves as a reviewer for numerous scientific journals.

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About SNM—Advancing Molecular Imaging and Therapy

SNM is an international scientific and medical organization dedicated to raising public awareness about what molecular imaging is and how it can help provide patients with the best health care possible. SNM members specialize in molecular imaging, a vital element of today's medical practice that adds an additional dimension to diagnosis, changing the way common and devastating diseases are understood and treated.

SNM's more than 17,000 members set the standard for molecular imaging and nuclear medicine practice by creating guidelines, sharing information through journals and meetings and leading advocacy on key issues that affect molecular imaging and therapy research and practice. For more information, visit www.snm.org.


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