Hai Yan, MD PhD, was awarded the International Prize for Translational Neuroscience 2021. Awarded by the Gertrud Reemtsma Foundation through the Max Planck Society, the prize is one of the most prominent awards in neuroscience and recognizes individuals who have made outstanding and original contributions for better understanding of neurobiology and neurological disease. The ceremony took place at the Max Planck Institute in Cologne, Germany, on August 26.
Dr. Yan was recognized for his influential research and findings on malignant gliomas. Dr. Yan’s research team and collaborators found that mutations in the metabolic enzymes IDH1 and IDH2 were present in 70 percent of progressive malignant gliomas. This discovery and his subsequent research demonstrated how accurate molecular classification can play an important role in guiding the prognosis and treatment of gliomas. Dr. Yan is a co-author of the 2016 revision of the 4th edition of the World Health Organization’s (“WHO”) Classification of Tumours of the Central Nervous System. The book now takes into account new molecular biomarkers, in particular IDH1 and IDH2 mutations, which are considered to be definitional in newly described entities, setting up indispensable molecular classification guidelines for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
About the Prize
The International Prize for Translational Neuroscience recognizes outstanding biomedical scientists and clinicians who have made outstanding original contributions to translational neuroscience with the goal of contributing through fundamental research to increased understanding of neurobiology and neurological disease. Nominees should be individuals whose seminal discoveries and major scientific contributions constitute an original and significant achievement in translational neuroscience. The prize is usually shared by two scientists who made outstanding discoveries in either basic or clinical neuroscience. It includes the development of novel therapies for neurological diseases. Andreas von Deimling shares the prize in 2021. Up to now, more than 60 awards, have been bestowed on laureates from 12 countries. For more information, please visit:
https://www.mpg.de/17367675/international-prize-for-translational-neuroscience-2021