VOLUME 12, NUMBER 14 • JANUARY 26, 2001

Lederberg to deliver Sackler lecture today

President Emeritus and Sackler Foundation Scholar Joshua Lederberg will discuss the future of infectious disease.

Raymond and Beverly Sackler Foundation Scholar Joshua Lederberg, president emeritus of The Rockefeller University, will give the Raymond and Beverly Sackler Centennial Lecture on Fri., Jan. 26. His talk is entitled "Crowded at the Summit: The Future of Infectious Disease."

The last 20 years have seen the emergence of new infectious diseases, such as AIDS and hepatitis C, and the resurgence of diseases, like tuberculosis, once considered vanquished. Scientists have discovered that the pace of microbial evolution vastly outstrips that of their multicellular hosts. As a result, most encounters are dominated by parasite adaptations, taking account of ancient innovations like our immune system. Lederberg, a Nobel laureate, will discuss the danger of attempts to eradicate microbes without considering backup strategies.

Lederberg discovered a mechanism of genetic recombination in bacteria while a doctoral student at Yale University, demonstrating that a form of sexual reproduction occurs in these microorganisms. This work earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1958 at the age of 33.

In 1978, Lederberg came to The Rockefeller University as its fifth president, serving until June 1990. Since retiring as president, he has returned to research as head of the Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Informatics.

Throughout his career, Lederberg has taken important advisory roles in government, serving as scientific counselor to world leaders and heading a number of influential committees and policy studies.

Lederberg’s talk will take place in Caspary Auditorium at 3:45 p.m. and will be preceded by a tea at 3:15 p.m. All are welcome.