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Foundation Bestows Highest Science Honor at VISIONS 2011
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June 29, 2011 - With many of the greatest minds in retinal degenerative disease research gathered in one room, the Foundation recognized four dynamic, groundbreaking scientists at the VISIONS 2011 Friday Welcome Lunch. The Foundation’s pinnacle honor for lifetime research excellence—the Llura Liggett Gund Award—was presented for just the sixth time in 40 years to a very deserving Robert Eugene Anderson, M.D., Ph.D. To underscore the award’s importance, an anonymous donor commissioned Stueben Glass to create a unique work of art that embodies its essence. The sculpture captures elements of the eye and the retina, with a thick curved bottom suggesting that darkness is falling away, returning light and vision.From the Dean McGee Eye Institute and the University of Oklahoma, Dr. Anderson’s career of scientific achievement has trailblazed advancements toward preventions, treatments and cures. He discovered the essential, protective role of omega-3 fatty acids in retinal health and function, and contributed greatly to understanding how light, at more moderate levels, can release proteins that actually protect the retina. Dr. Anderson has also made many contributions as a member of the Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board since 1985 and as co-director of the Foundation’s Southwest Regional Research Center for the Study of Retinal Degenerative Diseases. The Foundation’s Chief Research Officer Dr. Stephen Rose also recognized three innovative gene therapy scientists with the Board of Directors Award. Honorees Marina Gorbatyuk, Ph.D. (now with the University of North Texas Health Science Center’s North Texas Eye Research Institute); William W. Hauswirth, Ph.D.; and Alfred S. Lewin, Ph.D., are all with the University of Florida conducting research funded by the Foundation. They have demonstrated that their gene therapy approach works for correcting dominant retinal disease caused by variations in the gene rhodopsin, which accounts for 25 percent of all dominant forms of retinitis pigmentosa. So, their exciting breakthrough has the potential to help a large number of people. VISIONS attendees were enthusiastic about honoring these celebrated retinal scientists who are dedicating their lives to helping people who are affected and hopeful for treatments and cures. |
