Nobel Prize in Medicine Awarded to Ambros and Ruvkun for Groundbreaking microRNA Discovery
Nobel Prize Recognizes Pioneers of Gene Expression: Ambros and Ruvkun’s Landmark Discovery
Stockholm, Oct 7: The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to American scientists Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their groundbreaking discovery of microRNA, a key regulatory component in gene expression that has revolutionized our understanding of biological development and function. The Nobel Assembly highlighted that their pioneering work is “fundamentally important for how organisms develop and function,” underscoring the discovery’s impact on the field of molecular biology and genetics.
Victor Ambros conducted his research at Harvard University and is currently a professor of natural sciences at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. His collaborator, Gary Ruvkun, carried out his research at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, where he serves as a professor of genetics. Thomas Perlmann, Secretary-General of the Nobel Committee, revealed that he had contacted Ruvkun shortly before the official announcement. Perlmann noted that although Ruvkun initially sounded tired when he answered the call, he quickly became excited and pleased upon understanding the significance of the news.
This award follows last year’s Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, which recognized the contributions of Hungarian-American Katalin Karikó and American Drew Weissman. Their research was instrumental in developing mRNA vaccines against COVID-19, which played a crucial role in managing the pandemic.
The Nobel Prize in Medicine carries a monetary award of 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately $1 million), funded through the legacy of Alfred Nobel, the Swedish inventor and founder of the Nobel Prizes. The announcement marks the start of this year’s Nobel Prize season, with other categories, including physics, chemistry, literature, peace, and economics, to follow in the coming days. The Nobel Prize in Physics is scheduled for Tuesday, chemistry for Wednesday, and literature for Thursday. The Nobel Peace Prize announcement will take place on Friday, while the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences is set for October 14.
The laureates will formally receive their awards at the Nobel ceremonies held on December 10, which commemorates the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death. This prestigious event brings together the world’s brightest minds to honor achievements that have significantly advanced human knowledge and welfare.
