The 33rd International Prize for Biology has been awarded to Rita Colwell, Ph.D., Distinguished University Professor, University of Maryland. She was cited for her outstanding contributions to marine microbiology, bioinformatics, and the understanding and prevention of cholera.
Dr. Colwell, whose career bridges the disciplines of microbiology, ecology, infectious disease, public health, and computer and satellite technology, continues to be a leader in bioinformatics, notably in understanding microbiomes and the application of this knowledge to human health and the diagnosis and treatment of disease. This includes her current work as founder and chairman of CosmosID, Inc., a microbial genomics company focused on molecular diagnostics of human pathogens and antimicrobial resistance.
“It is an extraordinary honor to be named recipient of the International Prize for Biology, a very special honor for a biologist,” said Dr. Colwell. “I am deeply grateful to the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science for this award. I have many friends and colleagues in Japan and look forward to continuing my many collaborations with them.”
Dr. Colwell is also president of the Rosalind Franklin Society, an honorific, interdisciplinary, and international society which recognizes, fosters, and advances the important contributions of women in the life sciences and affiliated disciplines
