An innovator in the field of genetics, Dr. Cohen has revolutionized cancer research through his numerous groundbreaking studies. He is well-known to have contributed to the creation of genetic engineering and biotechnology. More specifically, his pioneering studies proved for the first time that foreign DNA could be successfully introduced into and propagated by bacteria, otherwise known as recombinant DNA technology.
By demonstrating that inter-species gene transfer was possible, Dr. Cohen opened the door for countless studies whereby bacteria were utilized to amplify specific portions of DNA rapidly and efficiently. This finding represents one of the most important and useful laboratory techniques ever invented. The technology has since been applied to patient care and countless research areas including the study of antibiotic resistance, vaccine production and agriculture, as well as protein isolation.
Career Highlights
2009 Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Double Helix Medal
2004 Shaw Prize in Life Science and Medicine
2001 National Inventors Hall of Fame
1996 Lemelson-MIT Prize
1993 Helmut Horten Research Award
1989 National Medal of Technology
1988 LVMH Institut de la Vie Prize
1988 Elected Member, Institute of Medicine
1988 National Medal of Science
1982 Alfred P. Sloan, Jr., Prize, General Motors
1981 Wolf Prize in Medicine
1980 Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award
1978 Elected Fellow, American Academy of Arts and Sciences
1977 V.D. Mattia Award, Roche Institute of Molecular Biology
1960 MD, University of Pennsylvania