Professor Hans Bos, professor of physiological chemistry at the University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht, will receive the Catharijne Prize today during the Catharijne conference for his research on the molecular signal transduction network that plays a role in the cause(s) of cancer. At the conference, Dr Geert Kops from the department of medical oncology will also receive an award, the Elisabeth von Freyburgpenning, for his work on cell division and the cause(s) of cancer.
Bos has made a vitally important contribution towards the knowledge of cellular processes in which chemical signals are transmitted. When these signals are wrongly transmitted, they can change normal cells into cancer cells. For over thirty years, Bos has conducted pioneering research of unfailing high quality in his field. This has enabled him to become a leading international authority on cancer research. His current research holds significant implications for the future treatment of cancer patients.
The prize, a statue made by S.S.H. Robles de Medina, is awarded every two years by the Catharijne Stichting in order to promote medical scientific research in UMC Utrecht. The prize is intended as a recognition of the whole research area of an established researcher. The prize is accompanied by a financial sum of 10,000 Euro. This year the prize was handed over by Ms Els Borst-Eilers.
During the Catharijne conference, the Von Freyburgpenning, a medal designed by Willem Noyons will also be presented. This prize honors and stimulates promising young scientists conducting research in connection with pediatric medicine. Dr Geert Kops will receive the award for the exceptional quality of his research into the mechanism of cell division and associated abnormalities in this process that can lead to cancer or hereditary abnormalities. As well as enlarging insight into an important biological process, this study also opens up a whole new area of perspectives for the treatment of cancer. The Elisabeth von Freyburgpenning is accompanied by a financial sum of 5,000 Euro.
For more information please contact: University Medical Center Utrecht, department of internal and external communication, Annette Aarts and Linda Minnen, tel. 088 75 574 83