Huda Y. Zoghbi, M.D. to Receive the 2013 Pearl Meister Greengard Prize

Celebrating 10 Years of Honoring the Achievements of Women in Science

NEW YORK, Sept. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Rockefeller University announced today that Huda Y. Zoghbi, M.D., will receive the 10^th annual Pearl Meister Greengard Prize—one of the world's preeminent honors recognizing outstanding achievements by women in science. Dr. Zoghbi was chosen by a selection committee of ten members, including five Nobel laureates and two recipients of the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences.

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Dr. Zoghbi is a pediatric neurologist and neuroscientist whose work on the genetic underpinnings of rare neurological diseases—Rett Syndrome and spinocerebellar ataxia Type 1—is significantly advancing our understanding of more common conditions from childhood disorders, such as autism, to adult-onset neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. She is a professor in the Departments of Pediatrics, Molecular and Human Genetics, Neurology and Neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas; Director of the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital and an investigator with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

The Pearl Meister Greengard Prize was founded by Dr. Paul Greengard, a recipient of the 2000 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine and Vincent Astor Professor at The Rockefeller University, and his wife, celebrated Brooklyn sculptor Ursula von Rydingsvard. Ms. von Rydingsvard, whose most recent installation, Ona, was just unveiled at Brooklyn's Barclays Center, will present the Prize on December 5, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. on the Rockefeller campus. 

"Dr. Zoghbi exemplifies the spirit of the Pearl Meister Greengard Prize," said Dr. Greengard. "She is a trailblazing scientist whose work—in a field often dominated by men— stands to revolutionize the way we approach and treat some of the most complex and devastating diseases of our time. Despite considerable progress, women in the sciences still experience discrimination, and role models like Dr. Zoghbi are inspiring a proud new generation of women scientists."

Named after Dr. Greengard's mother, who died during his birth, the Pearl Meister Greengard Prize was established to spotlight the extraordinary and often unsung achievements of women scientists, and to inspire young women's pursuit of scientific careers. Dr. Greengard and Ms. von Rydingsvard created the Pearl Meister Greengard Prize in 2003, donating the monetary share of his Nobel to seed the Prize, which carries a $100,000 honorarium.

Since its inception, two Prize winners, Elizabeth Blackburn and Carol Greider, have subsequently won the Nobel Prize.

"When I learned the story behind the Pearl Meister Greengard Prize, I got goose bumps," Dr. Zoghbi explained. "It's such an honor to receive this award, not only because I am a great admirer of Dr. Greengard, but because it's so important to draw attention to the achievements of women in science. The recognition helps inspire young women to believe that they too can succeed in these fields."

For more information about the Prize and the December 5 ceremony, visit http://greengardprize.rockefeller.edu

About The Rockefeller University

Founded in 1901, The Rockefeller University is a world-renowned center for biomedical research.  Its 73 independent laboratories are contributing to the understanding and treatment of cancer, heart disease, neurological and psychiatric conditions, infections and autoimmune disorders, and many other health concerns.  Thirty-four Rockefeller scientists are members of the National Academy of Sciences.  Twenty-four researchers associated with the University throughout its history have been awarded the Nobel Prize.

Contact: Hallie Kapner, 917.699.0014, [email protected]

SOURCE The Rockefeller University