News Release: Research , School of Medicine
Feb. 4, 2009
Emory Geneticist Stephen Warren Awarded Jacob's Ladder International Research Prize
Jacob's Ladder, the Canadian Foundation for the Control of Neurodegenerative Disease, has awarded Stephen T. Warren, PhD, the ninth Annual Norman Saunders International Research Prize. Warren is the William Patterson Timmie professor and chair of the Department of Human Genetics at Emory University School of Medicine. He also is a professor of biochemistry and pediatrics.
Each year Jacob's Ladder has presented the research prize to remarkable scientists who are leaders in the advancement of understanding and treating genetic diseases. This year’s award will be presented on Feb. 11 at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.
Warren's work focuses on understanding the causes of mental retardation and developmental handicap. He led the international team of scientists who in 1991 discovered the gene responsible for fragile X syndrome, the leading cause of inherited mental retardation. The breakthrough has led to the development of diagnostic tests for the syndrome and its carriers as well as the identification and study of possible therapies.
Warren's discoveries hold great promise for solving the mysteries of developmental delays, mental disorders and autism. He and his colleagues maintain one of the largest federally funded fragile X research programs in the country.
Among his numerous awards, Warren has received the William Allan Award from the American Society of Human Genetics, the highest international award in human genetics, and the William Rosen Research Award from the National Fragile X Foundation. He is a past president of the American Society of Human Genetics. In 2004 he was elected to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, considered one of the highest honors in medicine.
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