Brenner's work on C. elegans proved to it be a novel experimental model organism. "This provided a unique opportunity to link genetic analysis to cell division, differentiation and organ development - and to follow these processes under the microscope," says the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet. For the complete press release, visit http://www.nobel.se/medicine/laureates/2002/press.html

Dr. Sydney Brenner advised the Ames Center Director in the early stages of developing the NAI, and he has served as a member of the distinguished NAI Director's Science Council from the time of its establishment by Director Baruch Blumberg.

The NAI is pleased that Dr. Brenner, who has contributed to the foundations of astrobiology and the NAI, was awarded this honor. For more information on Dr. Brenner's work, visit the Molecular Sciences Institute homepage at http://www.molsci.org/Dispatch