A pioneer in the understanding of endocrine signaling in the nervous system and a 1977 Nobel Laureate, Dr. Schally characterized various secretory, hypothalamic signaling hormones that affect downstream pituitary gland function. Such studies began with the co-discovery of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) and continued with the isolation and synthesis of various additional hypothalamic hormones including thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH; also known as gonadotropin-releasing hormone, GnRH), and somatostatin.
These trailblazing studies established the foundation for many research areas including neuroendocrinology and reproductive endocrinology and illuminated the previously unknown relationship between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and endocrine system. More recently, these fundamental discoveries have been utilized to further the understanding and treatment of endocrine-related diseases such as breast and prostate cancer. Thus, Dr. Schally also pioneered the development and use of synthetic analogs of hypothalamic hormones for therapy of various cancers. For his accomplishments, Dr. Schally has been honored with membership in the national academies of eight countries and awarded 30 honorary degrees.
Career Highlights
2012 Research Excellence Award, Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami, FL
2004 Chevalier, Légion d’Honneur
1997 Award of Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico
1981 AMVETS, Silver Helmet, Civil Servant of the Year Award
1979 Blue Cross – Gold Category – of the Social Security Hospital System of Spain
1979 Ordem Nacional do Cruzeiro do Sul (Southern Cross) (Brazil’s highest decoration)
1978 Golden Plate Award, American Academy of Achievement
1977 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
1975 Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award
1975 Borden Award, Association of American Medical Colleges
1974 Gairdner Foundation International Award
1974 Charles Mickle Award of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto
1970 William S. Middleton Award
1969 Van Meter Prize, American Thyroid Association
1957 PhD, McGill University