THIS FALL's Lasker Awards presentations are the 44th in the series.
The awards are given through the Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation, established in 1946 and dedicated to honoring scientists whose research accomplishments are particularly outstanding. In addition, the foundation encourages support of major medical scientific efforts such as those of the National Institutes of Health (Bethesda, Md) and educates the public about the importance of such research.
The Albert Lasker Awards Program gives three awards honoring "individuals who have made contributions in basic and clinical research in the diseases which are the main causes of death and disability." The foundation lists these "main causes" in the United States as cardiovascular, neoplastic, mental, respiratory, joint, and neurological diseases. For the last 25 years, the awards have been presented for basic medical and clinical research and public service. In the past, Lasker awards were also given for medical journalism and public