An innovator in disease detection, Dr. Kan has pioneered the design and implementation of prenatal DNA-based screening tests for cancer, sickle cell anemia, thalassemias, and various other single gene disorders. He discovered DNA polymorphism that is extensively used in gene discovery.
Dr. Kan’s research has highlighted the links between specific genetic aberrations and congenital diseases, while also expanding knowledge of hematology and cellular microenvironments. His findings have led to additional research on gene expression control mechanisms, as well as the establishment of genetic disease models. Dr. Kan is currently working to use stem cell approach to treat blood and infectious diseases.
Career Highlights
2006 Lifetime Achievement Award, Society of Chinese Bioscientists in America
2004 Shaw Foundation Prize in Life Science and Medicine
1996 Foreign Member, Chinese Academy of Sciences
1995 Helmut Horten Research Award
1991 Albert Lasker Clinical Medical Research Award
1991 Elected Fellow, Royal Society of London
1990 President, American Society of Hematology
1988 Member, Academia Sinica of Taiwan
1988 American College of Physicians Award
1987 Waterford Award in Biomedical Sciences
1986 Elected Member, National Academy of Sciences, Washington, DC
1984 Gairdner International Award
1984 Allan Award, American Society of Human Genetics
1979 Dameshek Award, American Society of Hematology
1958 MD, University of Hong Kong