Robert G. Roeder, a world-famous biochemist and molecular biologist, was conferred with the BEI Shizhang International Award by Rao Zihe, director of Biophysical Society of China at a conference hosted by Tsinghua University on Aug 15.

Roeder is known as a pioneer in eukaryotic transcription. He is the recipient of the Gairdner Foundation International Award in 2000 and the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research in 2003. 

He currently serves as Arnold and Mabel Beckman Professor and head of the laboratory for biochemical and molecular biology at Rockefeller University.

Experts say his research work over the last 50 years has created and continues to shape the entire field of modern biology, in particular the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes. 

Rao Zihe paid tribute to Professor Roeder for his contribution to biology. He hoped that Chinese academics could deepen their communications with such international talent. 

Bei Shizhang was a pioneer of Chinese cytology, embryology and the founder of Chinese biophysics. He is considered the "Father of Chinese Biophysics". The asteroid 31065 Beishizhang was named in his honour on the occasion of his 100th birthday. The Biophysical Society of China set up the award in memory of Bei’s contribution to China’s modern sciences in 2009. 

The award was also established to enhance the international influence of the BSC, and attract the international community's attention to the development of biology research in China.   

Since its foundation, academic exchanges and cooperation between internationally renowned scholars and Chinese scientists have significantly strengthened and the construction of cooperation platforms among internationally renowned research teams has advanced.

Robert G. Roeder (left), a world-famous biochemist and molecular biologist, is honored with BEI Shizhang International Award. He was presented with the award by Rao Zihe, director of Biophysical Society of China, on Aug 15. [Photo/WeChat account of BSC]

Robert G. Roeder gives a speech at a conference hosted by Tsinghua University on Aug 15. [Photo/WeChat account of BSC]