Joan Steitz, Sterling Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry at Yale University, is the recipient of the 2018 Lasker-Koshland Special Achievement Award in Medical Science. She is being recognized for her pioneering role in expanding the understanding of RNA biology and her lifelong advocacy for the inclusion of women in the sciences. The award, totaling $250,000, was one of three awards given by the Lasker Foundation this year to honor the significant contributions of leaders in the medical field.
Dr. Steitz has over 40 years of experience in molecular biology during which she has made many breakthrough advances in the field. Her research led to discoveries about the function of RNA.
When she first started in her career, Dr. Steitz was one of the few women research scientists in her field. She has since advocated for the inclusion of more women in STEM disciplines. In 2006, she co-authored a report for the National Academy of Sciences outlining barriers to the participation of women in sciences. Additionally, Professor Steitz has recently endorsed a study that calls for tougher measures by universities against those who harass women scientists.
Professor Steitz holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and a Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biology from Harvard University.