NEWS
July 13, 2012
Press Contact: press@ashg.org
Stanford University Professor Emeritus to receive award at ASHG annual meeting Nov. 9 in San Francisco BETHESDA, MD – July 13, 2012 – The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) has named Uta Francke, M.D., as the 2012 recipient of the annual William Allan Award, which recognizes a scientist for substantial and far-reaching scientific contributions to human genetics. Dr. Francke, Professor Emeritus in Genetics and Professor of Pediatrics at Stanford University, was ASHG’s president in 1999.
Dr. Francke will deliver her William Allan Award presentation on Nov. 9 during ASHG’s 2012 annual meeting at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.
“Dr. Francke is one of the most respected scientists in our genetics community,” said ASHG Executive Vice President Joann Boughman, Ph.D. “She has provided a stellar example of a tireless scientist, always seeking answers to any question that she becomes interested in, and pursing a variety of research techniques that will advance the knowledge in that particular subject. She is an outstanding citizen and member of ASHG.”
Dr. Francke demonstrated the value of using chromosomal analyses, molecular studies, and mouse models to advance the understanding and treatment of such human genetic diseases as Charcot-Marie-Tooth, Marfan, Rett, Prader-Willi, Williams and Wiskott-Aldrich syndromes.
The award recognizes her seminal work in the field, which began in the early days of medical and human genetics and includes over 500 peer-reviewed publications.
“In essence, her lifetime of scientific discoveries and numerous contributions over the decades have been far-reaching and have made a significant impact on advancing both basic and clinical human genetics,” said Dr. Boughman.
The Allan Award was established in 1961 in memory of William Allan, M.D., one of the first American physicians to conduct extensive research on human genetics and hereditary diseases. ASHG recognizes the significant achievements of the awardee by presenting the recipient with a cash prize and an engraved medal during the ASHG annual meeting.
About ASHG
The American Society of Human Genetics is the primary professional membership organization for nearly 8,000 human genetics specialists worldwide. The ASHG Annual Meeting is the world’s largest gathering of human genetics professionals and a forum for renowned experts in the field. This year, ASHG will host the 62nd annual meeting in San Francisco, CA, on Nov. 6-10, 2012.
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