Wolf Prize in Medicine

Wolf Prize in Medicine is a prestigious international award granted annually by the Wolf Foundation in Israel. It is one of the six Wolf Prizes established by the Foundation, which also include awards in Agriculture, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Arts. The Wolf Prize in Medicine is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of medicine, including medical science and health services, leading to the improvement of mankind's health.

History

The Wolf Prize was established in 1978 by the Wolf Foundation, a state-owned entity of Israel. The Foundation's aim is to promote science and art for the benefit of humanity. The Prize in Medicine was one of the original categories introduced at the inception of the awards. Over the years, it has recognized groundbreaking work in various areas of medicine, including genetic research, cancer therapy, and neuroscience.

Criteria and Selection Process

Candidates for the Wolf Prize in Medicine are selected based on their contributions to the field that have had a profound impact on medical science. Nominations are solicited from universities, research institutions, and academies all over the world. A distinguished selection committee, comprising international experts in medical sciences, reviews the nominations and recommends the laureates.

Award

The laureates of the Wolf Prize in Medicine receive a certificate, a gold medal, and a monetary award. The amount of the prize has varied over the years. The award ceremony is held in Jerusalem and is often attended by the President of Israel and other dignitaries.

Notable Laureates

Several laureates of the Wolf Prize in Medicine have also been awarded the Nobel Prize, underscoring the prestige and significance of the Wolf Prize. Notable recipients include:

- Ralph M. Steinman (2011), for his discovery of the dendritic cell and its role in adaptive immunity. - Cesar Milstein and Georges J.F. Köhler (1980), for their work on the immune system and the production of monoclonal antibodies. - Roger Y. Tsien (2004), for his contribution to the understanding of how proteins can be used to monitor and manipulate cells.

Impact

The Wolf Prize in Medicine has played a significant role in highlighting and encouraging outstanding achievements in medical research. It not only honors individual scientists but also promotes the importance of medical science in advancing human health. The Prize serves as an inspiration for researchers and contributes to the global recognition of groundbreaking medical discoveries.

See Also

- Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine - Lasker Award - Gairdner Foundation International Award

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