|
Dr. Ruedi Aebersold, one of the pioneers in the field of proteomics, is known for developing a series of methods that have found wide application in analytical protein chemistry and proteomics. He developed a method for the rapid identification and accurate quantification of cellular proteins, i.e. for the generation of cellular "protein profiles," based on a new class of reagents (Isotope Coded Affinity Tags or ICAT reagents), and mass spectrometry. The "protein profiles" are used to differentiate cells, such as noncancerous vs. cancerous cells, and to systematically study how cells respond to external stimuli. This may lead to new diagnostic markers for disease and to a more complete understanding of the biochemical processes involved in cell physiology. Dr. Aebersold's mass spectrometry work has earned him several prestigious awards: 2002 Biemann Medal, from the American Society of Mass Spectrometry, recognizes significant achievement in basic or applied mass spectrometry early in an individual's career. 2002 Michael Widmer Award, from the Novartis Pharma and the Analytical Division of the Swiss Chemical Society at the HPLC 2002 Congress in Montreal, honors Aebersold's extraordinary and innovative contributions in analytical protein biochemistry and proteomics. 2002 Individual World Technology Award for Biotechnology recognizes innovative individuals who are contributing to the advance of emerging technologies for the benefit of business and society and who will likely become or remain key players in the technological drama unfolding in coming years. Dr. Aebersold is full professor at the Institute of Biotechnology at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich and his research group is part of the newly founded Institute of Molecular Systems Biology. Dr. Aebersold earned his Ph.D. in Cellular Biology at the University of Basel in 1983 and served on the faculties of the Universities of Washington and British Columbia, until 2000, when he co-founded the Institute for Systems Biology with Drs. Leroy Hood and Alan Aderem. Dr. Aebersold serves on the SAB of a number of academic and private sector research organizations and is on several editorial boards in the fields of protein science, genomics, and proteomics. | 