| Administrative History | The Lasker Foundation was established in 1942 by Albert and Mary Lasker in order to increase public awareness about the benefits of medical science and its potential to reduce fatal and disabling diseases, as well as the importance of Federal funding for research. The Laskers created separate awards for basic research, clinical research and public service, which would recognise achievements made by scientists, physicians and public servants.
Hans Kosterlitz, his former Aberdeen colleague, John Hughes, and American neuroscientist, Solomon H Snyder were awarded the 1978 Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award in recognition of their 'magnificent contributions to the pharmacology of mechanisms involved in pain relief.' Kosterlitz was honoured for 'his pioneering work in identifying the relation of opiate receptors to the naturally occurring enkephalins...' and Hughes for 'his discovery and isolation of the two naturally occurring enkephalins and identifying their relation to the larger beta - lipotropin molecule that exists in the human pituitary gland...' |
| Description | Hans Kosterlitz's certificate of award for the 1978 Albert Lasker Medical Research Award, 21 November 1978.
Commemorative booklet for the 1978 awards ceremony, containing a short citation and photograph of the award recipients, a list of previous award winners, 1944 - 1977, and a photograph and list of members of the 1978 awards 'Jury.'
Correspondence and papers regarding the Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation, 1978 - 1985, including:
Letter from The Foundation informing Kosterlitz of his award, with related correspondence regarding arrangements for the awards ceremony and drafts of Kosterlitz's acceptance speech, July - November 1978;
Letters of congratulations from friend and colleagues, July 1978 - January 1979;
Letters of invitation to subsequent award ceremonies, 1979 - 1985;
Invitation to submit a nomination for the 1979 award.
Letter from John Hughes to Dr Gordon Lees, discussing the forthcoming award ceremony, 13 November 1978.
Letter from The Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation, 26 January 1996, expressing disappointment that Kosterlitz was unable to attend the Foundation's Golden Anniversary celebrations in September 1995, and enclosing souvenirs from the occasion:
Commemorative coin set in slate;
Souvenir programme;
Colour photograph of the 1995 laureates, with typed key;
'Journal of the American Medical Association' [JAMA], October 1995, carrying a report on 'The Lasker Awards at Fifty' and several articles by the 1995 award-winners.
Letter from the Foundation to Dr Godon Lees, enclosing a further copy of the 1995 souvenir programme (varies slightly from Kosterlitz's copy) for inclusion in a proposed display in honour of Kosterlitz, 20 May 1996. The proposed display did not take place. |