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MEDIA CONTACT: Kristine M. McGrath
561-297-1168, kmcgrath@fau.edu
FAU's College of Science Hosts Hall of Fame Distinguished Lecture and Awards Ceremony
Program Includes Dr. James D. Watson, Nobel Prize Winner & Father of the Double Helical Structure for DNA, and Dr. Herbert Weissbach, Director of FAU's Center for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
BOCA RATON, FL (March 1, 2005) - Florida Atlantic University's Charles E. Schmidt College of Science today presented a lecture by Dr. James D. Watson, father of the double helix for DNA, driving force behind the Human Genome Project and Nobel Prize winner. In addition, Watson and Dr. Herbert Weissbach, director of FAU's Center for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, were inducted into the College of Science's Hall of Fame. This event, designated one of FAU's official 40th anniversary events, is part of the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science's inaugural Hall of Fame Distinguished Lecture and Awards Ceremony.
In 1953, Watson, with Dr. Francis Crick, successfully proposed the double helical structure for DNA, a feat described as "the greatest achievement of science in the 20th century." For this work, Watson, Crick and Dr. Maurice Wilkins, a research colleague, were awarded the Nobel Price in Medicine in 1962.
While a professor at Harvard, Watson commenced a writing career that generated the seminal text, Molecular Biology of the Gene and the best-selling autobiographical volume, The Double Helix. He also recently published DNA: The Secret of Life. In 1976, he became the director of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, which under his direction became of the world's most important research institutions for molecular biology. In 1988, Watson was appointed associate director for Human Genome Research at the National Institutes of Health, and in 1989, he became director of the National Center for Human Genome Research. Watson guided the project, and his effort resulted in a complete directory of the genetic code of the human species.
Academic and research institutes, as well as governmental agencies around the world, have recognized Watson with many honorary degrees and awards. He was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 1962, and in 1977, the Presidential Medal of Freedom was presented to him by President Ford. In 1993, he received the Copley Medal, the highest award from the Royal Society of London, which had elected him a member in 1981.
Watson was awarded the National Medal of Science in 1997. Queen Elizabeth II proclaimed him an honorary knight of the British Empire in 2002, and he was named chancellor of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in 2003.
Weissbach came to FAU in 1997. He is a distinguished research professor and the director of FAU's Center for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. Weissbach received his Ph.D. in biochemistry from George Washington University and spent 16 years as a researcher at the National Heart Institute of the National Institutes for Health. He was instrumental in establishing the Roche Institute of Molecular Biology in 1967 and became director of the Roche Institute and research vice president of Hoffmann La Roche in 1983. Over the years, Weissbach's research interests have focused on the areas of enzymology, protein synthesis, regulation of gene expression and oxidative stress. He has published more than 400 articles and edited five books. Weissbach is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and a fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology. He has received numerous awards and honors including the American Chemical Society's Enzyme Award, the Townsend Harris Award from City College and the Distinguished Alumni Award from George Washington University. Weissbach was also listed in the top 300 most cited authors (1961 - 1976).
For more information on FAU's Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, call 561-297-3288 or visit www.science.fau.edu. For more information on this event, contact Elfriede Lynch at 561-297-3023.
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