NEW YORK, May 30, 2017 - The New York Academy of Sciences in conjunction with the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and Molecular Medicine will host the 2017 Ross Prize in Molecular Medicine - Regulating Immunity: Fc Receptor Biology at the Academy's headquarters on Monday, June 5th. Pioneering immunology researcher Jeffrey V. Ravetch MD, PhD, the Theresa and Eugene M. Lang Professor and Head of the Leonard Wagner Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology at The Rockefeller University, will be awarded this year's prize, which includes a $50,000 award for his identification of the mechanism by which the specific structure of antibodies controls immune cell reactivity.
"I am honored by the recognition this award represents and to be included among the distinguished scientists who have preceded me," said Dr. Ravetch on the news of his receiving the award.
Dr. Ravetch's research focuses on understanding the immune system response. His work revealed the fine line that exists between healthy immune reactions that destroy foreign pathogens, and autoimmunity that attacks the body's own tissue. This understanding and improved knowledge of immunity will allow for the improvement or creation of new therapies for infectious, neoplastic, and inflammatory diseases.
The Ross Prize recognizes biomedical scientists who have made a significant impact in the understanding of human disease pathogenesis and/or treatment, and who hold significant promise for making even greater contributions to the general field of molecular medicine.
"Dr. Jeffrey Ravetch's discovery of the relationship between antibodies and activation of the immune response has opened the door to developing new therapies for autoimmune conditions," said Feinstein Institute President and CEO Kevin J. Tracey, MD, who also serves as editor emeritus of Molecular Medicine. "His work embodies the pioneering spirit of the Ross Prize and we look forward to honoring his career and to his future discoveries' positive impact on patients."
After the presentation ceremony, Dr. Ravetch will give a lecture titled, "Diversification of Antibody Effector Function," where he will discuss his findings in the field of Fc Receptor Biology. In addition, Rafi Ahmed, PhD, Director of the Emory Vaccine Center, and Ronald Levy, MD, Professor and Chief of the Division of Oncology at Stanford Medicine, will discuss their work on antibody dependent mechanisms of protection in infectious disease and cancer.
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If you are interested in attending this event in person please visit the registration page for additional information.
About the Feinstein Institute
The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research is the research arm of Northwell Health, the largest healthcare provider in New York. Home to 50 research laboratories and to clinical research throughout dozens of hospitals and outpatient facilities, the 3,500 researchers and staff of the Feinstein are making breakthroughs in molecular medicine, genetics, oncology, brain research, mental health, autoimmunity, and bioelectronic medicine - a new field of science that has the potential to revolutionize medicine. For more information about how we empower imagination and pioneer discovery, visit FeinsteinInstitute.org
About Molecular Medicine
Molecular Medicine is an Open-Access, international, peer-reviewed, biomedical journal seeking insight into the cellular and molecular basis of disease. The journal publishes work in the format of original research articles, review articles, editorials, commentaries and letters to the editor. The 2014 Journal Citation Report (JCR) lists Molecular Medicine with an impact factor of 4.508. For more information, visit http://www.molmed.org.
The New York Academy of Sciences
The New York Academy of Sciences is an independent, not-for-profit organization that since 1817 has been driving innovative solutions to society's challenges by advancing scientific research, education, and policy. With more than 20,000 Members in 100 countries, the Academy is creating a global community of science for the benefit of humanity. Please visit us online at http://www.nyas.org and follow us on Twitter at @NYASciences.