The Lasker Awards program was created in 1945 by Albert and Mary Lasker to shine a spotlight on fundamental biological discoveries and clinical advances that improve human health, and to draw attention to the importance of public support of science.
Lasker Awards are currently given in the categories of Basic Research, Clinical Research, Special Achievement, and Public Service.
Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award: For a fundamental discovery that opens up a new area of biomedical science.
Lasker~DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award: For a major advance that improves the lives of many thousands of people.
Lasker~Koshland Special Achievement Award in Medical Science: For research accomplishments and scientific statesmanship that engender the deepest feelings of awe and respect.
Lasker~Bloomberg Public Service Award: For improving the public’s understanding of medical research, public health, or healthcare; providing financial support for initiatives to enhance public health and/or medical research; serving as a spokesperson for medical research or public health; providing outstanding public health practice.
Lasker Medical Research Awardees are selected by a distinguished international jury chaired by Joseph L. Goldstein, recipient of the 1985 Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research and the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
Lasker~Bloomberg Public Service Award winners are selected by a jury chaired by Alfred Sommer, recipient of the 1997 Lasker Award for Clinical Medical Research.