Interferon has been called “evolution’s first and perhaps most important invention for the survival of animals.”
Given that more than a very large number of communicable diseases affecting humans around the world are caused by viruses—and given the indispensable purpose that interferon plays in induction of antiviral responses, there is no question that it is critically important to continue to probe and investigate the nature of the interferon system
and its role in innate immunity.
The Milstein Awards annually honor individuals who have made exceptional contributions to research related to interferons—either in a basic or clinical field. For many years, The Milstein Awards have represented the pinnacle of scientific achievement in the field of interferon research.
The Milstein Awards are presented each year during a special event at the annual meeting of the International Society for Interferon and Cytokine Research (ISICR), a non-profit organization of scientists from across the globe. ISICR was formed over 25 years ago to advance interferon and cytokine research by promoting the exchange of knowledge through meetings, seminars, reports and publications and by initiating and participating in programs related to interferon and cytokine research.
The Milstein Awards for 2011 were presented during this year’ s annual meeting in Florence, Italy.
Sincerely,
Leonidas C. Platanias, MD, PhD
Deputy Director, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University;
Professor of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University
1 | J. E. Darnell Jr., Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY (Interferon: The 50th Anniversary, 2007)
