Presentations
Remarks presented by Neen Hunt, former President of the Lasker Foundation, to a gathering of NIH/Oxford/Cambridge International Biomedical Research Scholars on Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C., September 19, 2006
It is a great delight to be in the presence of such promising biomedical scholars. We live in fairly depressing and worrisome times if only for the reason that science remains suspect by many people in our nation and throughout the world. As a former classroom teacher, I remain in disbelief that evolutionary theory has come under attack; and of course, knowing scientists in stem cell biology, I am dismayed that the latest breakthrough, the technology that enables scientists to extract stem cells without destroying the embryo, remains unacceptable to influential conservative members of Congress. Therefore, it is very encouraging, indeed, that science is attracting young people with such prodigious talent.
Clearly you have the capacity to make a difference in our battle with disease—to extend life and to relieve suffering. The unknown factor is if you have the character—the determination, fortitude and courage—to be a science pioneer, to engage in innovative research, to apply your creativity and imagination to the great mysteries of medical research and practice.
Much in the system works against original ideas. Today's funding environment, as you must realize, is not especially supportive of creativity and innovation in science, and there is no assurance that the future will improve the situation. Also, there are expectations today, unlike in the past, for scientists to produce results. Indeed, the pressures to pursue practical science may lead to foregoing the "out of the box" hypothesis that may not seem very relevant. Yet it may be that it is this original idea that will lead to a new and unanticipated understanding.
Women will have special challenges: the desire for family and the need to balance this responsibility with the demands of a career in research continue for women despite impressive gains as scientists.
Then there are the intellectual demands, political pressures and other situational stresses that may affect your work. Robert Edwards, who pioneered in vitro fertilization, withstood threats of imprisonment; he was vilified in the press and criticized by respected peers. He also disclosed that he did not reach quick understandings, or have immediate insights. He described the process that led him to his discovery as one that he moved through methodically from finding to finding, often experiencing disappointment, always pressing on to discover the answers, steadily challenging his own theme. Edward's experience reminds me of the comment of Peter Medawar, who worked on cellular immunology in the 1950s, when he describes the successful scientist as one who is "able to tolerate the acute discomfort of incomprehension resulting in the rage to know."
Yet the opportunities for great advances have never been more promising. Tom Cech, President of Howard Hughes, has referred to the huge investments in molecular biology and genomics, made 10 to 30 years ago, that are now providing the knowledge and the medicines for effective clinical practice. Ron Evans at the Salk Institute has commented on the engaging directions in future research that can assure one of exciting work. Evans researched nuclear hormone receptors for regulating genes. His enthusiasm for future directions in research includes the field of neuroscience and its pioneering efforts to distinguish the mind from the brain. He is intrigued by studies to uncover the mystery of consciousness so that we can answer questions that are traditionally in the realm of philosophy and religion—Who are we? Where did we come from? Evans is similarly enthused about studying metabolic systems for clues to why so many people are fat. And if these directions don't catch your interest, there are dramatic possibilities for cancer treatment—witness the recent success of Steven Rosenberg and other researchers here at NIH who have been using gene therapy to treat melanoma.
As the President of the Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation, I have the privilege of meeting the most successful scientists in the world—men and women whose discoveries have transformed our understandings of human disease and how our bodies respond to it, whose breakthroughs have led to preventions, new treatments, and cures of devastating illnesses and painful disabilities. Their work has helped millions of people all over the world. I have learned from our winners that they approach their work with uncommon intensity and a relentless dedication. It is a level of passion and emotional involvement that drives people toward success in many fields. Mary Lasker, our founder—considered the "first lady of medical research" because of her indefatigable advocacy for government funding—expressed her deep commitment to improve human health by saying that she was opposed to stroke, cancer and heart disease in the same way that she was opposed to sin. These were her axis of evil, and she attacked them with a vengeance by devoting 60 years of her life to advancing research. So if you find that your research has become a "job" rather than devotion, you are in the wrong profession.
If medical science is to find answers that will prevent, treat and eventually cure terrible diseases, it needs scientists who can think creatively and independently—who are willing to journey into the unknown. Great medical discoveries are driven by the passion for knowing—unquenchable curiosity. The brilliant physicist, Richard Feynman, claimed that scientists "persist in their investigations, struggle so desperately for every bit of knowledge, stay up nights seeking the answer to a problem, climb the steepest obstacles to the next fragment of understanding, to finally reach that joyous moment of the kick in the discovery, which is part of the pleasure in finding things out." Follow your hunch even if it tests accepted practice; do not stay within the confines of traditional beliefs and proven systems. Pursue an intriguing tack, even if it takes you in an analytical direction that has no apparent use. Look for insights in novel directions, in non-standard experimental organisms, in unexpected places. Challenge complacency. Learn from Lasker Laureate Sydney Brenner, who studied C. elegans, an unusual organism which has now become an acceptable model for research. Or from Barry Marshall, who was convinced that bacteria and not stress, as the conventional wisdom had it, led to ulcers; or Charles Kelman, who found an idea for cataract surgery in dental equipment; or Wilhelm Kolff, who studied the engineering of a washing machine in his search for kidney dialysis.
Jim Darnell at The Rockefeller University urges you to "covet curiosity and let it take you where it leads." With luck and skill, it may lead to a thrilling discovery—perhaps one that will transform how we treat one of the terrible cripplers and killers that continue to threaten human health. It may also lead to a Lasker Award—a coveted affirmation of science excellence. But whatever the outcome, you are assured of an "intoxicating experience," and an "exhilarating journey," in the words of Paul Berg of Stanford University. It is a journey that heightens intellect, deepens passion, and offers you the privilege of joining the community of brilliant men and women who are addressing the truly important questions of biomedical science, the answers of which will help people everywhere to live healthier lives.
On behalf of all of us who may benefit from your dedication to research or medicine, let me wish you success and express our thanks for your commitment.