Pew Biomedical Scholar Awarded Nobel Prize in Chemistry; Dr. Mackinnon Studied Ion Channels as Pew Scholar from 1992 to 1996

10/8/2003

From: Justin Kenney, 202-207-2142

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 8 -- A Pew Biomedical Scholar, Dr. Roderick MacKinnon, was one of two American scientists awarded the Nobel Prize in chemistry today for his work on the "structural and mechanistic studies of ion channels." Dr. MacKinnon, a professor of Molecular Neurobiology and Biophysics at The Rockefeller University in New York, was a Pew Scholar from 1992 to 1996. As a Pew Biomedical Scholar he studied ion channels, some of which modulate the pace of the heart, control hormonal secretions and perform other functions.

"The Pew Charitable Trusts congratulates Dr. MacKinnon on his Nobel Prize," said Rebecca Rimel, president of the Trusts. "The Pew Biomedical Scholars program makes awards to scientists who are pursuing cutting-edge biomedical research that has the potential to fundamentally alter society's knowledge about how the human body works. Dr. MacKinnon's achievements reinforce our commitment to support the search for solutions to serve the public interest."

The Pew Charitable Trusts launched the Pew Biomedical Scholars program in 1985. The program supports investigators of outstanding promise in the basic and clinical sciences relevant to the advancement of human health. Over the years the scholars program has supported close to 400 researchers.

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The Pew Charitable Trusts ( http://www.pewtrusts.com ) support nonprofit activities in the areas of culture, education, the environment, health and human services, public policy and religion. Based in Philadelphia, with an office in Washington, D.C., the Trusts make strategic investments to help organizations and citizens develop practical solutions to difficult problems. In 2002, with approximately $3.8 billion in assets, the Trusts committed over $166 million to 287 nonprofit organizations.