Society Past-President to Receive National Medal of Science

Chevy Chase, MD—In a ceremony at the White House next month, President George W. Bush will present Dr. Bert O'Malley, past-president of The Endocrine Society and chair of molecular and cellular biology at Baylor College of Medicine, with the National Medal of Science.

 The award is the highest honor in the nation for scientists and recognizes outstanding contributions to knowledge in the physical, biological, mathematical, social, behavioral, and engineering sciences.

 Dr. O'Malley is being recognized for his pioneering work on the molecular mechanisms of steroid hormone action and hormone receptors. His work has greatly contributed to the understanding of the role of steroid hormones in normal development and in diseases, including cancer.

 Dr. O'Malley is one of eight scientific leaders who will be awarded with the 2007 National Medal of Science at the ceremony on September 29.

 "It is a great surprise," said Dr. O'Malley. "It certainly is appreciated and is humbling."

"We are thrilled that Dr. O'Malley has been named a recipient of the nation's highest award for science," said Dr. Robert M. Carey, president of The Endocrine Society. "The Society benefited greatly from his innovation and leadership during his term as president, and those in the field of endocrinology continue to benefit from his landmark contributions." 

Dr. O'Malley serves on the editorial board for Molecular Endocrinology, a journal of The Endocrine Society. He has received numerous honorary degrees, authored more than 600 scientific papers, and is the holder of 19 patents for techniques and inventions developed in the study of his field.

The National Medal of Science was established by Congress in 1959 as a Presidential Award to be given to individuals deserving of special recognition by reason of their outstanding contributions to the scientific field.

A committee of 12 scientists and engineers is appointed by the President to evaluate the nominees for the award. Since its establishment the National Medal of Science has been awarded to 441 distinguished scientists and engineers whose careers spanned decades of research and development.

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Founded in 1916, The Endocrine Society is the world's oldest, largest, and most active organization devoted to research on hormones and the clinical practice of endocrinology. Today, The Endocrine Society's membership consists of over 14,000 scientists, physicians, educators, nurses and students in more than 80 countries. Together, these members represent all basic, applied, and clinical interests in endocrinology. The Endocrine Society is based in Chevy Chase, Md. To learn more about the Society, and the field of endocrinology, visit our web site at www.endo-society.org.