News Release

TWAS, illycaffè announce Trieste Science Prize winners 2007

Grant and Award Announcement

Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics

Trieste, Italy, 26 April 2007. An eminent Mexican biologist, whose research helped to spur the creation of the first genetically modified plants, and an internationally renowned Indian chemist, whose innovative laboratory techniques have led to the synthesis of more than 50 natural products, have been awarded the Trieste Science Prize for 2007.

The Trieste Science Prize, administered by TWAS and funded by illycaffè, provides international recognition to outstanding scientists living and working in the developing world. Winners share a US$100,000 cash award.

Luis Rafael Herrera-Estrella, director of the National Laboratory for Genomics of Biodiversity and professor of plant genetic engineering at the Centre of Research and Advanced Studies in Irapuato, Mexico, helped to pioneer the field of plant molecular biology and genetic engineering. Plant transformation techniques developed by Herrera-Estrella and his colleagues have had a significant impact on the commercial production of genetically modified (transgenic) plants currently grown on more than 100 million hectares worldwide.

Herrera-Estrella's work has largely focused on crop species of economic importance to Latin America, including asparagus, maize and papaya. In addition, his analysis of the molecular mechanisms of toxins, produced by the disease-causing bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv phaseolicola, has led to the development of transgenic beans resistant to the disease.

Herrera-Estrella has recently turned his attention to understanding the molecular mechanisms that make it possible for plants to tolerate toxic concentrations of aluminum and, more generally, that enable plants to adapt to nutrient-deficient soils. This is a critically important issue in Latin America, where some 500 million hectares of farmland are deficient in phosphorus, an essential nutrient for healthy plant growth and crop production.

Goverdhan Mehta, CSIR Bhatnagar fellow and honorary professor at the Department of Organic Chemistry at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, and distinguished research professor at the University of Hyderabad in India, is a world-renowned chemist who has made breakthrough contributions in a variety of fields related to organic synthesis.

His wide-ranging interests include the synthesis of biologically significant and architecturally challenging natural products; the design of novel molecules; the study of stereoelectronic effects; and super molecular chemistry. His synthesis techniques have been widely praised for their elegance and originality. Otteliones A and B, currently being tested for their anti-tumor activity, are among the 50 complex and biologically active natural products that Mehta and his group have synthesized.

Mehta's work has led to patents for hybrid drugs for the treatment of cancer that combine the drugs' conventional cytotoxic action with the ability to 'switch on' the drugs in the desired location using light as a stimulus. He and his group have also synthesized carbon compounds that may have potential applications in nanotechnology devices.

Beyond the laboratory, Mehta has made significant contributions to science education and science policy in India and abroad. He is currently president of the International Council for Science (ICSU) in Paris, France, and a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee to the Prime Minister of India.

"Trieste Science Prize winners," says Jacob Palis, president of TWAS, "put a spotlight on the enormous impact that scientists from the developing world are making to international science. Their efforts are not only helping their nations to advance but are also making our global community a better place."

"illycaffè," says Andrea Illy, the company's president and chief executive officer, "is pleased to honour scientists who are making significant contributions to society. The Trieste Science Prize symbolizes excellence. The success of the recipients has enriched both their societies and ours."

###


Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.