2009 Merck/Life Sciences Achievement Award Lecture

Then and Now: Old Questions Reconsidered

Professor Crow says: "I have in mind a number of problems that were left unanswered as molecular and computer techniques took over. In particular I plan to discuss the different view of epistasis (non  additive genetic effects) by developmental and evo-devo geneticists  versus animal breeders."

June 1, 2009,

2-3PM
Natural Sciences Building Auditorium

Interactive Map

As many of you know, this year's Symposium, in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the birthday of Charles Darwin, was focused on "Evolutionary Biology: From Molecules  to Man".  Unfortunately, Dr. Crow was unable to attend the symposium to deliver his keynote address, but he is now coming to UCSD to present his talk and accept the award.   

Dr. Crow is an engaging speaker whose work, focused mainly in the area of population genetics, has spanned more than 50 years and touched virtually every important subject in the field. He published key papers in the areas of statistical genetics, plant and animal breeding, sex determination, inbreeding, the genetics of pesticide resistance and selfish genetic elements. His work on the genetic load established the foundations for research on the nature of genetic variation in natural populations. It was the integration of our understanding of genetic variation in natural populations and of phylogenetic changes in biological macromolecules that eventually led to the development of what we now call molecular evolution. Dr. Crow received his doctorate at the University of Texas-Austin and is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Medicine, the American Philosophical Society, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the World Academy of Art and Science. He is an honorary Fellow of the Japan Academy and a Fellow of the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters.

Dr. Crow is being hosted by Lin Chao, Professor in the Section of  Ecology, Behavior and Evolution, Division of Biological Sciences. Please contact the host if you have any questions.

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“Professor Crow’s work has provided a much needed bridge between evolutionary thought and the study of population genetics.  His elegant work has inspired several generations of scientists to understand how natural selection acts upon genes in populations.”  
   - Steve Kay, Dean of the Division of Biological Sciences,
 
“We are honored to co-present the 2009 Life Sciences Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. James Crow, an eminent scientist and teacher who life’s work has inspired thousands of students and young scientists worldwide and touched virtually every important subject in population genetics.”  
   - James Schaeffer, Executive Director, Merck Research Laboratories.