Nobel Laureate Leland Hartwell is celebrating his appointment to lead a new research facility for the Biodesign Institute this week.
Hartwell, who will officially start in July of 2010 at the new Center for Sustainable Health, is the first laureate in medicine to serve as a faculty member at any Arizona university.
CEO of InNexus Biotechnology Inc. Jeff Morhet, who attended a reception for Hartwell, said his appointment showcases where the Biodesign Institute and the University are heading.
“It is a wonderful announcement for the University,” Morhet said. “I think [Hartwell] is a great addition to the team.”
Hartwell was awarded a Nobel Prize in 2001 for his advancement in medicine after he discovered the power of time-lapse photomicroscopy to study the cell cycle.
“I am delighted to be here,” Hartwell said. “It’s a tremendous pleasure to have the opportunity now to extend the degree of engagement here with the Arizona scientific community.”
Executive director of the Biodesign Institute Alan Nelson said bringing a Nobel Prize winner is a big step for the institute.
“It’s a revolution — this is our first Nobel laureate,” he said. “It’s going to bring global attention and focus on the sustainable health program.”
Hartwell won’t take on his new responsibilities alone — the founder of the Center for Health and Aging at the National Bureau of Asian Research, Michael Birt, will also take part in the research center.
Hearing respected people hold ASU in such high regard was a positive affirmation, he said.
“For me this is such an exciting opportunity to be a part of the Biodesign and ASU,” Birt said.
President Michael Crow welcomed Hartwell and Birt at a Tuesday evening reception.
“The appointment of Hartwell and Birt to these positions is really about the future,” he said.
Crow said Hartwell and Birt will contribute to bringing scientists together to organize knowledge and people to move in new directions.
Professor of health management and policy Gene Schneller said he is thrilled to welcome Birt to the faculty.
“[I’m] particularly interested because Dr. Birt has been appointed in the School of Health Management and Policy,” he said.
Hartwell and Birt bring a tremendous amount of knowledge to a school that needs mentors to teach the future Nobel Laureates, Schneller said.
The Center of Sustainable Health, which is funded by the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, will work to identify biomarkers for earlier diagnosis for diseases like lung cancer and diabetes, Biodesign spokesman Joe Caspermeyer said.
“Early detection is key for a healthy outcome,” he said. “Our mission is to simply improve human health and the health of our plant.”
Reach reporter at katelyn.bolnick@asu.edu
