(WASHINGTON, July 14, 2009) – The American Society of Hematology (ASH) announces the debut of the Ernest Beutler Lecture and Prize, to be awarded at ASH’s annual meeting in December. The inaugural recipients are Thomas Maniatis, PhD, of Harvard University, and Yuet Wai Kan, MD, of the University of California – San Francisco.
Established in December 2008, this award, named for the late Dr. Ernest Beutler, past president of ASH and physician-scientist for over 50 years, is a two-part lectureship intended to recognize major translational advances related to a single topic. This award honors two individuals, one who has enabled advances in basic science and another individual for achievements in clinical science or translational research. Both of this year’s recipients have made seminal contributions to our understanding of the biology and diagnosis of thalassemia, with specific attention paid to the impact of molecular genetic studies of globin genes on the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
Dr. Kan, past ASH President and prior recipient of the Dameshek Prize and Stratton Medal for his pioneering work involving the use of fetal DNA to diagnose sickle cell anemia and thalassemia, will discuss the development of prenatal and DNA diagnosis for thalassemia, reviewing current and experimental treatments, and the impact of stem cell technology on future therapy.
Dr. Maniatis, of Harvard University, will discuss the development of prenatal and DNA diagnosis for thalassemia, reviewing current and experimental treatments and the impact of stem cell technology on future therapy.
The Ernest Beutler Lecture will take place on Monday, December 7th from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in New Orleans, LA. For more information, please visit the 51st ASH Annual Meeting Web site.
To arrange an interview with an award recipient, please contact Patrick C. Irelan, ASH Communications Assistant, at 202-776-0544 or pirelan@hematology.org.
The American Society of Hematology (www.hematology.org) is the world’s largest professional society concerned with the causes and treatment of blood disorders. Its mission is to further the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders affecting blood, bone marrow, and the immunologic, hemostatic, and vascular systems, by promoting research, clinical care, education, training, and advocacy in hematology. In September, ASH launched Blood: The Vital Connection (www.bloodthevitalconnection.org), a credible online resource addressing bleeding and clotting disorders, anemia, and cancer. It provides hematologist-approved information about these common blood conditions including risk factors, preventive measures, and treatment options.