Purpose and Description of the Awards

The purpose of these Awards is to honor individuals who have made significant contributions in basic or clinical research. The Award winners may reside in any country of the world.

Each Award consists of an honorarium and an inscribed statuette of the Winged Victory of Samothrace, symbolizing victory over death and disease.

When the Award is given to more than one individual in a category, the honorarium will be divided among the winners, and each will receive a statuette and a citation. More than one scientist may be nominated if the individuals have worked as a team or independently made key contributions. No more than three individuals will be considered for an Award in the Basic or Clinical category.

The Jurors’ evaluations of the contributions of the nominees depend heavily on the information supplied in the nomination packet. Therefore, the nomination should be accurate, detailed, current and complete. Supporting letters that specifically address the nominee’s scientific accomplishments will be helpful to the Jury.

Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award

For a fundamental discovery that opens up a new area of biomedical science.

Lasker˜DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award

For a major advance that improves the lives of many thousands of people.

Lasker˜Koshland Special Achievement Award in Medical Science

For research accomplishments and scientific statesmanship that engender the deepest feelings of awe and respect. (The Special Achievement Award, presented every other year, will next be given in 2025.)