n 1953, Dr. James D. Watson, along with Dr. Francis Crick, achieved what is described as “the greatest achievement of science in the twentieth century” when they correctly proposed the double helical structure for DNA. For this work they were awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1962.
On March 1st, Dr. Watson will come FAU in order to give the keynote address, entitled My Life With DNA, for the College of Science’s Inaugural Hall of Fame Distinguished Lecture and Awards Ceremony. Dr. Watson will be the very first inductee into the Charles E. Schmidt College of science’s Hall of Fame. Joining him in the honor is Dr. Herbert Weissbach, a distinguished research professor and the director of FAU’s Center for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. “This is the hall of fame’s first year,” said Margie Walden, a development officer in the College of Science. “We decided to begin this program because we wanted to promote science to the public, and also honor exceptional scholars in their field.”
The College of Science is proud to have Dr. Watson and Dr. Weissbach as its very first inductees. Their achievements and career excellence exemplify what its hall of fame is all about. In addition to being a Nobel Prize winner, Dr. Watson is an accomplished writer. While teaching at Harvard University, he began a writing career with the publication of two books, Molecular Biology of the Gene and the best-selling autobiographical volume The Double Helix. He also recently published DNA: The Secret Life. In 1988, Dr. Watson was appointed associate director for Human Genome Research at the National Institute of Health. In 1989 he became director of the National Center for Human Genome Research, which under his guidance made 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 Dr. Watson with many honorary degrees and awards including: the Presidential medal of Freedom in 1977 (presented by President Ford), the Copley Medal (from the Royal Society of London in 1993), and the National Medal of Science in 1997. Queen Elizabeth II also proclaimed Watson an honorary knight of the British Empire in 2002.
Dr. Weissbach, director of FAU’s Center for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, received his Ph. D. degree in biochemistry from George Washington University and spent 16 years as a researcher at the National Heart Institute of the National Institutes of Health. He helped establish the Roche Institute of Molecular Biology in 1967 and became its director. Dr. Weissbach has published more than 400 articles and edited five books. He also ranks among the top 300 most cited authors. His research interests over the years have focused on the areas of enzymology, protein synthesis, regulation of gene expression and oxidative stress. 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 Georgetown University.
The inductees to the hall of fame are chosen by the Science Advisory Board, which is made up of doctors, professors, and businessmen from around the area. The Board chooses individuals that are outstanding in their field of study.
The ceremony, which will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on March 1st in the University Theater at FAU’s Boca Raton campus, will feature addresses from Dr. Nathan W. Dean (the Dean of the College of Science), President Brogan, and of course Dr. Watson. Directly following his lecture, Dr. Watson will take questions from the audience in a discussion format. The night’s events will also include a special FAU 40th Anniversary video, since this is one of FAU’s official 40th anniversary events. According to Margie Walden, however, the College of Science hopes to make the Hall of Fame Distinguished Lecture and Awards Ceremony an annual event. According to Dr. Dean, they plan to choose two inductees each year, one internationally acclaimed and another a part of FAU. She said that the event is open to everyone, and especially urges anyone interested in biotechnology or heath and science to attend.
For further questions contact Dina at 297-2954.
