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The distinction called Debrecen Award for Molecular Medicine was established in 2003 to recognize outstanding achievements in the field of molecular medicine at international level. Selected annually by the professors of the Faculty of General Medicine at the University of Debrecen, past recipients include leading figures in the field of life sciences such as Craig Venter, the “apostle” of human genome, Ralph Steinman, winner of the Nobel Prize after receiving DAMM for his discovery of dendritic cells, the conductors of the immune system, Sir Stephen O'Rahilly, the 2014 DAMM awardee for the discovery of the genetic mechanisms responsible for obesity, and Ms. Katalin Karikó, winner of the 2023 Nobel Prize.
“The Debrecen Award for Molecular Medicine represents a very prestigious distinction. It recognizes the scientific achievements of world-renowned scientists at the end of a rather rigorous selection process. The academic collaborations that follow the presentation of this award also significantly enhance the prestige of the University of Debrecen,” said József Tőzsér, Vice-Rector for Sector Development of Life Sciences at the University of Debrecen.
The presentation of the award is decided each year by the professors of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Debrecen. It is the professors of the faculty and the previous recipients of the award who may nominate the next recipient. For example, Professor Scherer was nominated by the very first awardee, Professor Craig Venter. A committee appointed by the faculty leadership then discusses the nominations and shortlists two candidates, for whom all the professors in the faculty vote by secret ballot.
“We recognize the work of scientists whose discoveries benefit humanity and whose research plays a significant part in both diagnosing and curing diseases. The fact that internationally notable scientists get to visit our university regularly helps the development of our colleagues, and several collaborations and publications have already been implemented in connection with the award,” said László Mátyus, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at UD.
This year's recipient is Professor Stephen W. Scherer, Director of Research at the University Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada, and Distinguished Professor of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto. Professor Scherer received his undergraduate degree in 1991 and his PhD in 1995 from the University of Toronto. Together with his former mentor, Professor Lap-Chee Tsui (discoverer of the cystic fibrosis disease gene), he established Canada's first human genomics center, the Centre for Applied Genomics within the Hospital for Sick Children. Professor Scherer is currently heading a number of major genomics research projects with a global impact. So far, he has published more than 400 scientific publications, which have been cited more than 133,000 times.
“Professor Scherer's fundamental discovery is that relatively long stretches of DNA – even the size of genes – can exist in more than two copies in our genome. Furthermore, these copy-number patterns can differ between individuals, which he called copy-number variation (CNV). Genome-wide copy number variations have been linked to the development of various diseases. Professor Scherer has explored the role of genome-wide copy number variability in the context of a variety of health conditions and, in particular, related to autism spectrum disorders. He and his colleagues have discovered a number of disease-related copy number variabilities and disease predisposing genes in individuals with autism spectrum disorders,” said Zoltán Papp, Vice Dean for Scientific Affairs of the Faculty of Medicine at UD.
These discoveries have led to widely available clinical tests that assist thousands of families around the world to get early diagnostic information.
“We were the first to prove that autism has a biological cause. This discovery can help to find a cure if diagnosed early. Clinical trials are now under way and we hope to announce in the near future that drugs for certain types of autism might soon be available. We are happy to be able to help families concerned. It is a special honor for me to receive this award from the University of Debrecen, which not only recognizes achievements so far but also promotes future scientific activity. I am very pleased to be included in the list of recipients, as this award has been received by really distinguished researchers,” said Professor Stephen W. Scherer.
Professor Stephen W. Scherer received the award at a ceremony held at the University of Debrecen on Tuesday, following which he gave a talk titled “Discovering Biological Mechanisms in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Informing Medical Diagnosis and Treatment,” in which he presented his research findings to date and outlined his plans for the future.
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