The European Molecular Biology Organisation announced on October 6th that they have awarded Dario The EMBO Gold Medal for 2005 for his 'pioneering research on enzymes called kinases and their role in inherited disease which has provided exciting new insights into conditions such as cancer, diabetes and hypertension'. Dario was presented with the Gold Medal and a bursary of 10,000 Euros at the EMBO Frontiers of Molecular Biology meeting in Warsaw Poland on October 16th. The EMBO Gold Medal is widely regarded as the most prestigious research prize in Europe for a Life Scientist under the age of 40 and follows a number of other young investigator awards that Dario has received over the past few years.
Recipients of the EMBO Gold Medal are also honoured as role models for other young scientists in Europe. EMBO stated that 'Dario Alessi fulfils these criteria on every level.Just 14 years after completing his PhD, he is a leading light in the world of cell signalling. His discovery and characterisation of the PDK1 and LKB1 kinases has had a major impact on understanding of signal transduction. These breakthroughs and Alessi's continued research in this area also hold great promise for the clinical treatment of inherited diseases.'
EMBO Executive Director, Frank Gannon commented 'Dario is an exemplary role model for young researchers having achieved so much in his still young research career. His work has had a tremendous international impact and this is all the more remarkable when you consider his publication approach, which steers away from high impact journals. To do this and still achieve such an impact on biomedical research is the mark of a truly exceptional scientist.'
On hearing of his award Dario said 'it is an enormous honour to be selected by EMBO for this award and to be the first researcher in Scotland to receive this accolade. The European aspect of the award is very special to me. With Scottish and Italian parents, a Spanish wife and a childhood spent in France and Belgium, I have a strong European sense of identity. To gain the recognition of such an esteemed group of European scientists is also a great privilege.'
Sir Philip Cohen, Director of the MRC Protein Phosphorylation Unit in which Dario works said 'this award is a great honour for Dario and for our Unit. It is really deserved for the remarkable series of discoveries that Dario has made in only eight years after becoming a Programme Leader in the Unit.'
Recipients of the EMBO Gold Medal are also honoured as role models for other young scientists in Europe. EMBO stated that 'Dario Alessi fulfils these criteria on every level.Just 14 years after completing his PhD, he is a leading light in the world of cell signalling. His discovery and characterisation of the PDK1 and LKB1 kinases has had a major impact on understanding of signal transduction. These breakthroughs and Alessi's continued research in this area also hold great promise for the clinical treatment of inherited diseases.'
EMBO Executive Director, Frank Gannon commented 'Dario is an exemplary role model for young researchers having achieved so much in his still young research career. His work has had a tremendous international impact and this is all the more remarkable when you consider his publication approach, which steers away from high impact journals. To do this and still achieve such an impact on biomedical research is the mark of a truly exceptional scientist.'
On hearing of his award Dario said 'it is an enormous honour to be selected by EMBO for this award and to be the first researcher in Scotland to receive this accolade. The European aspect of the award is very special to me. With Scottish and Italian parents, a Spanish wife and a childhood spent in France and Belgium, I have a strong European sense of identity. To gain the recognition of such an esteemed group of European scientists is also a great privilege.'
Sir Philip Cohen, Director of the MRC Protein Phosphorylation Unit in which Dario works said 'this award is a great honour for Dario and for our Unit. It is really deserved for the remarkable series of discoveries that Dario has made in only eight years after becoming a Programme Leader in the Unit.'